The Canadian potato harvest is slightly smaller than previously anticipated. Yields per hectare are slightly lower due to dry and warm weather last summer. The increase in production is mainly due to the increased acreage.
Statistics Canada released its preliminary potato harvest estimate in early December. The agency estimates the total yield at 5,7 million tons. This is 2% lower than last year's harvest and slightly higher than the five-year average. Market experts previously expected a harvest of 5,89 million tons.
Fewer potatoes
The harvested area this year is 158.526 hectares, an increase of 3.325 hectares compared to 2024. This is also slightly less than previously estimated. The increase in potato production is primarily in the province of Alberta, where McCain has contracted more hectares after expanding its Coaldale factory. Acreage has also increased in Quebec, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island (PEI). Conversely, production declined in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick.
The growing season started cool and with regular rain. This didn't cause many problems during planting. Growing conditions remained dry and warm until mid-July, after which it became persistently dry and warm. This had a detrimental effect on yields per hectare. Potatoes in the eastern provinces, in particular, clearly suffered from the weather. Harvesting conditions were good, despite the high temperatures, and the potatoes are storing well.
Varying Yields
The yields per hectare show that things weren't great everywhere. Nationally, they amounted to 35,97 tons per hectare, a decrease of 1,11 tons compared to last year. Yields were particularly low in PEI. The total yield there is down 16% this year, and the yield per hectare is almost a fifth lower. Conditions were more favorable in the west of the country. In Alberta, 13% more was harvested, partly due to the increase in acreage.
Canada is heavily dependent on exports to the United States. In mid-November, the US announced it would not impose import duties on French fries and other potato products. Nevertheless, exports have taken a hit, especially because the US has an ample supply of potatoes. Through August, exports of French fries from Canada to the US were down more than 7%.