A significant shift in Canadian agriculture has seen Alberta overtake Prince Edward Island (PEI) as the country’s largest potato producer. Thanks to rising demand and industrial growth, Alberta now leads with 21.8% of national output, ahead of P.E.I. and closely followed by Manitoba.
For years, Prince Edward Island has been synonymous with potato farming in Canada, but recent data from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada points to a new leader. Alberta, supported by businesses like the Little Potato Company, took the crown, producing 21.8% of Canada’s potatoes in 2022, slightly surpassing P.E.I. in 21.6%.
Potato production growth in Alberta
The growth of potato production in Alberta reflects broader trends in agricultural practices and market demands. According to the latest CBC estimates, Alberta has become an industry powerhouse. The province’s growth is largely due to North America’s thriving frozen French fry market, which is experiencing growing demand. The expansion of this sector required expansion of production capacity, a task that Alberta met ably.
Little Potato Company: A Success Story
The Little Potato Company made a notable contribution to Alberta’s dominance. Founded as a father-daughter joint venture in Edmonton in 1996, the company has grown substantially and employs more than 400 people. Their products, now available nationwide, including in P.E.I. grocery stores, illustrate the potential for growth and innovation in the agriculture sector.
Comparative production and number of farms
Although Alberta now leads in production, Prince Edward Island has the largest number of potato farms. Despite a decline in the number of farms from 262 in 2011 to 175 in 2021, P.E.I. is still ahead of Alberta, where the number of farms fell from 149 to 123 over the same period. This disparity suggests that while there may be fewer farms in Alberta, they are larger and more industrially efficient, contributing to higher overall production.
Manitoba’s growing role
Following Alberta and P.E.I. Manitoba produced 21.3% of Canada’s potatoes in 2022, highlighting its competitive and dynamic agricultural environment. This near parity between the top three provinces highlights the changing picture of potato production in Canada, driven by market needs and regional agricultural strategies.
Change of leadership in potato production in Canada from P.E.I. the move to Alberta marks a significant change in the country’s agricultural dynamics. Alberta’s ability to meet the growing needs of the frozen French fries market, coupled with the innovative efforts of companies like the Little Potato Company, has pushed it to the forefront. Despite this, P.E.I. remains an important player for most potato farmers, ensuring its continued relevance in the industry. As the agriculture sector evolves, the adaptability and strategic growth of provinces like Alberta and Manitoba will be critical to meeting future needs.
