Potato acreage in Canada will not be officially reported until early July, but early indications from potato-producing provinces signal that plantings could top 395,115 acres. That’s an increase of 2.1 per cent says Victoria Stamper, general manager, United Potato Growers of Canada.

“Compared to last year at this time, with a cold and wet spring that delayed planting up to three weeks in certain areas, we are happy to report that most growers across Canada have started their planting in generally favourable conditions,” says Stamper. “Contract negotiations are finished in all provinces except Manitoba where negotiations are still in progress as of May 10.”

Demand for French fries continues to increase both in Canada and globally, and demand for potato chips and table potatoes continues to be stable. The seed sector was very tight for this growing season and the need for seed will continue to grow to support growth in all sectors and within certain regions and varieties. In addition, the supply pipeline, although not as short as last year, will continue to be tight through the transition from old crop to new crop, even with the strong, and early, crop out of Florida.

For more detail by province, link to:  www.unitedpotatocanada.com

Source:  United Potato Growers of Canada May 10, 2023 newsletter