The Ontario Potato Board has voted to rejoin the United Potato Growers of Canada (UPGC) as the representative of its potato grower members, effective immediately. Kevin Brubacher, general manager confirmed the positive vote that took place at its February 24th board meeting. He commented, “It has been a number of years since the Ontario Potato Board has been a member of UPGC, but we are excited to be back. The United Potato Growers of Canada have turned a corner as an organization and are moving in the right direction in our opinion. We are looking forward to being a part of the positive changes to come.”

This follows the announcement that the New Brunswick Potato Board voted on February 2, 2023 in favour of rejoining UPGC. Victoria Stamper, general manager, presented to both the board of directors and the Shippers’ Association.

“We are very pleased to rejoin the United Potato Growers of Canada," said Matt Hemphill, executive director of Potatoes New Brunswick. "UPGC has a proven track record of providing valuable market information and advocating for fair pricing for potato growers across the country. By working together with UPGC, we can help ensure that our growers receive a fair return for their hard work and investment, and that the Canadian potato industry remains strong and vibrant."

In addition, the Saskatchewan Seed Potato Growers’ Association (SSPGA) led by president Matthew Lawless was the first non-member province to re-join UPGC last autumn as a representative of its member seed potato growers in the province of Saskatchewan.

“The SSPGA sees growth potential in the potato industry in Saskatchewan particularly in seed so being involved in national organizations is important,” Lawless commented. He indicated that “The new general manager of UPGC is bringing a fresh viewpoint to the mandate of the organization and the SSPGA felt it was a good time to re-join.”

Ray Keenan, chair UPGC, concluded: “The return of these member provinces reunites UPGC, making it a truly national potato organization, representing growers from coast to coast!”                             

Source:  United Potato Growers of Canada March 10, 2023 news release