While Statistics Canada reported 394,215 seeded acres of potatoes on July 18 with virtually no change from 2024 (down 0.1%), United Potato Growers of Canada general manager Victoria Stamper is warning about the pile of potatoes to come from the U.S. 

“With processing cuts coming so late in the season and no good alternative crops,  not everyone reacted in the same way,” says Stamper. “The state of Washington cut close to 15,000 acres and the state of Idaho planted more fresh varieties instead.”

2025 Idaho plantings are estimated at 313,000 acres, almost the same as 315,000 acres a year ago. The more salient point is that Idaho growers average 430 cwt/acre. 

“In a global context, there’s a lot of turbulence in the processing sector,” Stamper explains. “Two years ago, experts predicted growth of 3-5 per cent annually, but that has slowed. Now the expectation is for 1-1.5 per cent. French fries aren’t going anywhere – but who makes them, where and at what cost is changing quickly.” 

Stamper pointed to the recent announcement that J.R. Simplot plans to acquire Clarebout Potatoes in Nieuwkerke, Belgium. European processors are making headway selling yellow fries to the eastern coast of the U.S. Even farther afield, China and India are disrupting the market in Asia with increased production at lower prices. In addition, she spotlighted the various processing expansions:  McCains in Coaldale, Alberta; J.R. Simplot in Moses Lake, Washington; and Agristo in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

With these developments in mind, Stamper pivots to the internal trends in Canada. Of all the provinces, Manitoba took the biggest hit this year on processing volume cuts, with acres at 68,000. Prince Edward Island continues to report the largest seeded area in Canada at 87,300 acres followed closely by Alberta at 80,000 acres. Ontario is humming along with stable contracts for chipping potatoes. 

Weather-wise?  “Many areas in Canada are getting dry as we move through the month of July,” Stamper observes. “Overall, the potato crop is developing well but we still need to get through July and August.” 

Source:  Staff