Potato Review

40 POTATO REVIEW SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 INTERNATIONAL NEWS Positivegrowth inCanada GROWERS in Canada are feeling positive about growing conditions this year. The country’s crops are currently at varying stages, from emergence to touching between rows but all growers are optimistic that there will be good growing conditions needed to move the crop in its early life stages. A lot of the Prince Edward Island crop is at emergence stage, with nice even stands being reported. Growing conditions are described as excellent and the crop looks better than the same time last year. In- province surveys indicate there could be a slight increase in planted acreage. Those in the industry have welcomed the provincial government’s decision to remove the restriction on deep water wells for agricultural use which, although it won’t be relaxed in time for this year’s crop, will have benefit growers in 2022. Old crop is in short supply m,aking it di cult to control movement with such a small inventory. In New Brunswick, the 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 a ecting 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 neighbouring 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. Photo: Keith Johnston from Pixabay Reversed growing conditions GROWING conditions across Canada seem to have reversed regionally from a year ago. This year the four main growing provinces in eastern and central Canada have received good moisture levels to date, while the four western provinces have been extremely hot and dry. Prince Edward Island: The Island crop looks excellent with canopies looking as good as many can remember. Last year’s crop was very short of water starting in June, however this crop is seeing good levels of moisture for rapid growth. Rows are reaching full closure with some fields undergoing tuber initiation and some fields even sizing. The season is a long one yet, but the crop does have great potential. New Brunswick: The crop also looks excellent and has experienced lots of rain to date, with more in the forecast. The crop is coming along about two weeks ahead of schedule with harvest underway for the early fresh market in the southern zone of the province. Canopies have filled in nicely and more rain is in the immediate forecast. Quebec: The potato crop in Quebec looks great after experiencing ideal growing conditions with warm temperatures and frequent showers. Early planting has allowed full row closure on most fields. The region north of Montreal is a bit drier but some supplemental irrigation is taking care of replenishing moisture. The table harvest began on July 5th with good yields and quality reported.