Alberta

Alberta is one of Canada’s leading potato producing provinces and has a large, diversified potato industry serving processing, seed and fresh markets. In 2025, Alberta accounted for 27.1% of Canada’s potato production, making it the country’s largest potato producing province. The province also recorded the highest average potato yield in Canada at 423.5 hundredweight per acre. In 2026, Alberta had approximately 86,000 acres of potatoes seeded, the largest seeded area among Canadian provinces.

Potato production is concentrated particularly in southern Alberta, where irrigation supports reliable production under the province’s relatively dry climate. The industry has a strong processing orientation, with potatoes supplying French fry, frozen potato and snack food manufacturers. Alberta’s potato sector also includes a significant seed industry; northern areas benefit from geographic isolation and are used for producing low disease seed potatoes. Alberta seed growers supply markets within Canada and export seed potatoes to the United States and other destinations.

Processing potatoes account for the largest share of Alberta’s potato industry, while seed and fresh market potatoes provide important additional outlets. French fry and frozen potato production is supported by major processors including Lamb Weston, McCain and Cavendish, while companies such as Frito-Lay, Old Dutch and Shearer Foods contribute to the province’s potato snack sector. Fresh market production includes varieties such as Russet, Norland and Yukon Gold, alongside increasing production of small creamer potatoes.

Potatoes were introduced to Alberta in the late 1800s, initially being grown as a market garden crop and an important food source for settlers. Production gradually expanded from small farms and market gardens into commercial agriculture as settlement, transportation, irrigation and agricultural markets developed. Over time, potato production became increasingly connected with processing, fresh market distribution and seed potato production.

Organized development of the provincial industry accelerated during the 20^th century. The Edmonton Potato Growers was established in 1960, while the Alberta Potato Commission Board, now known as the Potato Growers of Alberta, was established on February 23, 1966. The organization helped coordinate research, promotion, communication and industry development. Alberta has since developed a substantial research and commercial production system covering varieties, disease management, soil, irrigation and storage, contributing to the province’s modern processing and seed potato industries.