From the bike to the field i am in full harvest mode!!

Bumper Crop Expected Across Canada

Potato acreages across Canada are expected to be up this year, with yields to match. Statistics Canada’s potato production estimates for 2012 report a three per cent acreage increase over 2011 plantings. Leading the increase in planted acres are processing potatoes, thanks to increases in processing contracts across most provinces, although fresh potato acres are also expected to be up slightly. Shortage may not be a word that’s used much this year as potato growers across Canada are preparing for a bumper crop. Yields have been trending below average for the past couple of years, which has created some supply shortages across North America. Last year’s market was so under-served that some potato sheds on Prince Edward Island shut down early due to the lack of raw product, but that has also kept prices strong. “When you are under-serving the market, the prices are strong and there is more acreage in response to that,” says Gary Linkletter, chair of the Prince Edward Island Potato Board. “This year looks like it may be a good yield year across North America, and if that continues we will have a good supply here.”