Potato barns in Canada are less stocked compared to a year ago. If you look at chips potatoes, you will see a slightly different picture. Excellent processing ensures that factories have to puzzle to keep their lines filled. Meanwhile, the new harvest is almost everywhere in the ground.
In total, Canadian potato growers held 1 million cwt of potatoes in stock on the reference date of June 18,17. That is equivalent to 824.000 tons. That is 3,3% less than was the case a year ago and 1,5% less than the three-year average. If you only look at French fries potatoes, you will see a slightly larger stock of 1%. This is evident from figures from United Potato Growers of Canada.
Large decrease
During May, a record amount of 331.112 tons of fries potatoes were processed, the organization calculates. The demand for table and chip potatoes is good but not special. The biggest difference is in the stock of seed potatoes. Not surprising that it decreased in May because of the planting season.
Potato processors performed well last month and processed more potatoes than was the case last year. Exceptions are the provinces of Quebec and Manitoba. It is still quite a puzzle for several factories to keep enough potatoes in stock until the new harvest arrives. Nevertheless, the joint processors have more than 9% more potatoes in stock than was the case last year.
More exports
Since December, the chip factories have exported almost 100.000 tons more product compared to the previous season. The aforementioned provinces are – again – the exception. Canada can benefit from strong global demand for potato products. Especially because the United States obtains significantly more product from its neighboring country.
Inventory and processing figures are not the only concerns for processors. In May, contract agreements still had to be concluded with growers in some places. This was especially the case in Manitoba. Based on current inventory figures, Canadian factories may have enough potatoes until August 1. The new harvest has not yet started, which could affect production in some provinces.
Acreage is increasing
Official figures for the Canadian potato area will not be available until next month. UPGC assumes an increase of 2%. That means 159.900 hectares of potatoes. The spring started cold and wet - so planting sometimes started three weeks later - but then went well. On Prince Edward Island – the largest growing area in the country – the planting season finally ended a week earlier than usual. Warmth and dry weather have helped the planting, but; Just like on the other side of the ocean, most crops can now benefit from a shower of rain. In addition to PEI, this is also the case in Alberta and Manitoba.