Potato News from Canada

Research capacity in Alberta’s potato industry will be significantly enhanced due to a $1 million investment in the University of Lethbridge by the Potato Growers of Alberta and the Potato Processors McCain Foods, ConAgra Lamb Weston and Cavendish Farms

You might know that Prince Edward Island potatoes are world famous and you might even know why – the iron-rich red soil exclusive to the Island. But I think that there is another reason why our potatoes are the best- the passion of our farmers.

The provincial government of New Brunswick is investing $5 million in a research and development project at McCain Foods (Canada) which will see the company work with small and medium-sized businesses and researchers from New Brunswick to pursue process improvement, product development and soil remediation initiatives.

Two of the most powerful voices in P.E.I.s billion dollar potato industry appeared before the Legislature's agriculture committee Thursday in Charlottetown.

The Frito-Lay Canada chip plant in Kentville, Nova Scotia, celebrated its diamond anniversary this week.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have adopted revised guidelines to manage potato cyst nematode (PCN) that will support potato growers, help facilitate international trade, and maintain protection against the pest.

The Prince Edward Island Potato Board signs on as a partner in Farm Credit Canada’s successful Agriculture More Than Ever program.

Keystone Potato Producers Association based in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, has yet to complete negotiations with Simplot Canada II over a contract for 2014 production.

Prince Edward Island process potato farmers who grow for McCain Foods have a new contract. The deal was reached in last-minute negotiations before it actually had to go to arbitration.

Old Dutch Foods developed a range of new Chips flavour profiles: Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders, Buffalo Wing and Blue Cheese Dip, Calamari & Tzatziki Sauce, and Burstin' Onion. The fact that these sound like your favourite restaurant appetizer menu is no accident.

Canola oil is widely regarded as heart-healthy and versatile by health professionals and chefs, but some consumers may not understand why – or know what canola is in the first place.

McCain Foods still hasn’t settled on the volume of potatoes it wants Manitoba processing potato growers to produce this year, even though planting is just weeks away.

The Canadian Potato Council has elected a new leader for 2014, John Bareman.

Times have changed for Alberta potato growers. Up until four years ago, the province was virtually late blight-free. Lately, wet springs and high humidity — uncharacteristic for this region — have nurtured the growth and spread of the disease.

Everyone knows that burgers and fries are best friends, making it an easy decision for the Prince Edward Island Potato Board to be a partner in the 2014 edition of PEI Burger Love (www.peiburgerlove.ca).

People attending the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) Annual Convention and Trade Show will be able to learn about TOMRA Sorting Solutions’ wide range of advanced sorting and processing systems.

Manitoba potato farmers could face steeper cuts in contracted potato production unless they can become more cost competitive with other areas of North America, a senior official with McCain Foods says.

With increased consumer demand for unique snack food options, Naturally Homegrown Foods Ltd. today introduced Hardbite Parsnip Chips, subtlety sweet and crunchy snacks ideal for a sophisticated snacking experience.