Manitoba, the second largest potato growing province in Canada, has a potato shortage as 8 percent of its acreage goes unharvested.

Yesterday the Manitoba government and Agribusiness J.R. Simplot Company (Simplot) announced a major investment and expansion in the company’s Manitoba-based potato processing operations near Portage la Prairie.

Potato Producers Manitoba, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick all have reached a deal with the French Fry manufacturers.

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.