Potato growers in Canada do not expect to harvest another top harvest of ware potatoes this year. This despite an almost perfect growing season. The estimated volume is lower than that harvested in 2023. The idea is that this will bring supply and demand into better alignment.
Insiders in the potato sector estimate that 5,74 million tonnes of potatoes will be harvested in Canada this year. That is 100.000 tons less than what was harvested last year. The area has remained stable at 157.400 hectares. The average hectare yield is lower than last year, which is not surprising given that 2023 yielded a record yield.
On the east coast, yields are significantly higher than a year ago. On average, planting could be done a little earlier and the growing season was almost ideal. Recent heavy rains in Quebec and Ontario have caused some damage to potato crops.
Prince Edward Island
It is estimated that 5% more potatoes will be harvested on Prince Edward Island (PEI) than in 2023. The volume will be 1,22 million tonnes. This makes it, after Alberta, the most important growing area in the country for this crop. The growing season is described as almost ideal, with sun and rain showers from time to time. The area is slightly larger than last year. The first early table potatoes are now being harvested. The main harvest starts in September.
Growers in the province of New Brunswick are also heading for a good harvest, which is 16% above last year with 785.000 tons. The story here is similar to PEI: good growing conditions and slightly increased acreage. Much depends on rain that falls in late August and early September for the last tons. This also applies to PEI.
Manitoba
In Ontario and French-speaking Quebec, growers are also expecting a larger harvest, which is 3,5% to 7% above last year. In terms of volume, these are smaller provinces for potato cultivation. Towards the west of Canada, in the states of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, a smaller harvest is expected. Manitoba in particular plays an important role, with an expected yield of 1,2 million tons. It is the third largest potato province. The acreage has shrunk slightly because processors have recorded fewer potatoes. Despite an excellent growing season, the estimated yield is still 11% lower.
Finally, Alberta, the most important province, also expects to harvest 11% fewer potatoes this year. The volume amounts to 1,29 million tons, compared to 1,47 million tons last year. The area has shrunk by 1.850 hectares because factories have less need for chip potatoes. Old potatoes are currently still being processed, while the new harvest has already been in progress for some time. Dry weather in July and August cost kilos and this is reflected in a slightly lower hectare yield.
Balance
After last year's record harvest, which has still not been resolved in some provinces, the production of (french fries) potatoes is more in line with the needs of the processing industry. For this reason, 2.800 hectares fewer potatoes were contracted this spring. An above-average harvest is expected on the east coast, where table and chip potatoes are mainly grown. The sector expects a healthier starting position for next season.