True Potato Seed technology Green fruit grows on potatoes and provides an alternative to seed potatoes
BRODERICK, Sask. — Research underway in Saskatchewan is part of a worldwide revolution in potato production, say officials at Tuberosum Technologies Inc. At a recent open house at the company’s facility in Saskatchewan’s irrigation district near Broderick, TTI showcased its work with true potato seed (TPS) technology. “True seed is basically a sexually produced seed, […] Read moreTag Archives Potatoes
Canadian potato exports show signs of life
Market rebounding | Asian demand for fries results in increased exports of frozen potatoes
After a decade of declining domestic demand, North America’s potato industry may have a reason to feel hopeful. Kevin MacIsaac, United Potato Growers of Canada general manager, said North American processors exported near record amounts of frozen potatoes to Asia this spring. “There have been some interesting things happening in the frozen market in the […] Read more
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
TABER, Alta. — Don’t treat late blight. Instead, prevent it from ever occurring. That is the key message from plant pathologists and potato industry officials in this region, where the fungal disease caused major losses last year. Late blight kills potato plants and causes tuber rot in storage. It also affects tomatoes, which can be a […] Read more
Potato acres likely to drop as contract talks continue
Manitoba still without agreement | Companies aiming to lower prices
PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, Man. — Manitoba potato growers and processors haven’t reached an agreement on price, but both sides know fewer potatoes will be grown in the province this year. Keystone Potato Growers Association manager Dan Sawatzky said processors have completely cut ties with several growers, and overall volume will be down. “We don’t have […] Read more
Smaller potato crop meets lower demand
Fewer acres planted | Manitoba growers are seeing good yields, but Alberta suffered late blight and hail
This year’s potato crop should be in harmony with consumer demand after a year of overproduction and depressed prices, says a United Potato Growers of Canada spokesperson. General manager Kevin MacIsaac said the crop will be significantly smaller than last year because Canadian growers planted 3.2 percent fewer acres and American acres are down seven […] Read more
McCain irks Man. spud growers
Contract dispute | Manitoba producers offered five percent less while Alberta growers get raise
Manitoba’s potato growers usually know in a normal April how much they will be paid for a hundred pounds of potatoes. However, this year they still don’t have a price because McCain Foods has offered a contract price five percent lower than 2012. “We normally have our contracts in place and producers know the acreage […] Read more
Manitoba expects above average potato yields
CARBERRY, Man. — Manitoba potato producers will likely harvest an above average crop this year, says a provincial potato specialist. That’s despite record temperatures and arid conditions in July that pushed irrigation systems to their limits. Following a tour of potato research plots at the Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre north of Carberry, Man., Manitoba Agriculture […] Read more
Late blight hits spuds
Manitoba’s first case of late blight in 2012 has been found in a commercial potato field near Carberry. Manitoba Agriculture announced late last week that the affected parts of the field have been disked under. As well, growers have applied the appropriate fungicides to the remainder of the field and nearby potato crops. The risk […] Read more
Bigger market to absorb potato increase
Potato industry watchers expect production to jump significantly in Canada and the United States this year, barring a bizarre weather event. That’s because acreage may be five percent higher than last year, and the 2012 crop could produce bumper yields. “All indications we would have is that the potential is pretty good for a larger […] Read more
Manitoba potato processors look south for spuds
Small harvest | Manitoba’s 2011 harvest was down 8.5 percent from the previous year
A smaller potato crop in Manitoba last year may force processors to import from outside the province or move processing to other parts of North America. Garry Sloik, executive director of the Keystone Vegetable Producers Association, said there is no immediate risk of running out of potatoes, but the Simplot plant in Portage la Prairie […] Read more
