Two new potato varieties have recently been given names reflective of their development by Agriculture Canada.
AAC Confederation and AAC Canada Gold-Dorée were named by Progest 2001 Inc. and Canadian Eastern Seed Growers, respectively. The AAC in their names refers to Agriculture and Agri-food Canada.
Progest is based in Sainte-Croix, Que., and CESG is based in New Brunswick.
Agriculture Canada said in a news release that the varieties are newly licensed and that both companies think the new varieties could rival Yukon Gold in popularity.
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Dr. Benoit Bizimungu, Agriculture Canada’s chief potato breeder, said both varieties have good yield and disease resistance profiles.
“A lot of work goes into developing a new potato variety,” Bizimungu said in the news release.
“For instance, the AAC Canada Gold-Dorée was six years in development before being released in 2015 to the potato industry to be evaluated of commercial potential. It is no surprise that the potato was taken up so quickly by the industry because it has great attributes.”
Andre Gagnon, president of Progest, said AAC Confederation has good taste and texture that should appeal to consumers.
As for AAC Gold Doree, CESG co-owner André Côté said he and his brother, the other co-owner, were inspired by the spud’s colour.
“We chose AAC Canada Gold-Dorée for its golden flesh and its golden potential as a winner in the markets,” Cote said.
Both companies expect to start selling seed for the two varieties by 2020.
Agriculture Canada releases 10 to 15 potato variety selections a year under the Accelerated Release Program. They are then considered by the industry, which selects some for field trials and can bid for sole evaluation rights if the varieties meet their needs and expectations.
