Alberta has dethroned Prince Edward Island as the leading producer of potatoes in Canada, but just by a skin, marking a shift in the country’s agricultural landscape.
The latest data from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada reveals Alberta as the top potato-producing province, edging out P.E.I. by a mere 0.2 per cent margin. With 21.8 per cent of Canadian potato production in 2022, Alberta is leading the production, closely followed by Manitoba at 21.3 per cent.
The rise of businesses like the Little Potato Company has played a pivotal role in Alberta’s ascent to the top of the potato industry. Founded as a small family venture in Edmonton in 1996, the company has blossomed into a thriving enterprise with approximately 400 employees, symbolizing Alberta’s growing influence in the potato market.
Despite P.E.I. maintaining the highest number of potato farms in Canada, the province has witnessed a decline in farm numbers over the years. As the industry evolves and demand for frozen French fries continues to soar, provinces like Alberta are seizing the opportunity to fill the supply gap.
The competitive dynamics between P.E.I. and Alberta reflect the shifting tides in Canada’s agricultural sector, underscoring the need for innovation and adaptation in the face of changing market trends. Alberta celebrates its newfound status as the potato powerhouse of Canada, cementing its position in the realm of potato production.
As the potato crown changes hands, the industry braces for further transformations, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of Canadian farmers in navigating the complexities of modern agriculture.
