Canadá: Canadian potato growers optimistic about good growing conditions

Potato growers everywhere are optimistic for the good growing conditions needed to move this crop in its early life stages. Here is a summary of how the crop looks across the country:

Prince Edward IslandA lot of the Island crop is at emergence with nice even stands being reported. Growing conditions are excellent and the crop is in better shape than this time one year ago. In-province surveys indicate planted acreage could be up slightly, in the 1% range (1,000 acres).

Industry is pleased that the provincial government has removed the moratorium on deep water wells for agricultural use. The restriction will not be relaxed in time for this year’s crop but will have benefit for the one in 2022. Old crop is in short supply making it difficult to control movement with such a small inventory.

New BrunswickThe crop went in early with some growers reporting their finishing date in 2021, to be ahead of their starting date last year. Emergence has been good and although conditions have been dry, they are not yet affecting the growth of the crop, as canopies begin to fill in exposed soil area. Planted acreage will be up, with the Formed Product Line in the McCain expansion requiring a minimum of 3,000- 4,000 additional acres.

Entities in neighboring states have also looked to increase their volume requirements. Some chip growers have shifted volume towards fryer contracts. Old crop is in very limited quantity in few hands. Fresh quality depends on the lot as it nears the end of storage season. Fresh prices have been steady with strong upward movement on 8oz and up, driven by increased count carton prices in the US. Processing inventory will likely be prioritized for the specialty production line allowing it to become fully operational in July.

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