CHARLOTTETOWN, Prince Edward Island – Prince Edward Island Agriculture Minister Mitch Murphy says his federal counterpart will seek a meeting with the U.S. secretary of agriculture this week over potatoes from the province.

Murphy says Lyle Vanclief will try to get the United States to reopen its border to Prince Edward Island spuds.

The potatoes have been banned because of the discovery of the potato wart virus in a New Annan, Prince Edward Island, field in October.

Murphy says 1,000 soil tests in the province have all come back negative. He suggests it’s now a trade issue and a federal responsibility.

U.S. federal and state officials have been to the Island for a first-hand look and were given assurances that precautions are taking place.

Eight percent of the province’s seed and tablestock is shipped to the United States.