Prince Edward Island exports potatoes to Venezuela, Russia

There's an increase in the amount of Prince Edward Island potatoes being exported this year.

In Summerside harbour Wednesday, two ships were taking Island spuds to far-flung locations — one headed for Venezuela, the other to Russia.

According to the Prince Edward Island Potato Board, 50 per cent more P.E.I. potatoes are heading to markets outside of North America this year.

Some are being packed this week for at Martin Visser &Sons in Victoria. Martin Visser said drought has made Eastern Europe hungry for potatoes.

In about two weeks time, the Vissers will be shipping potatoes directly from P.E.I. by boat to Russia.