The latest United Potato Growers of Canada (UPGC) report shows that the total cultivar storage holdings, the fresh holdings (those potatoes intended for table use), the holdings of potatoes destined for processing, and the seed inventory are all above the three years average.
Concerning the total Canadian potato storage holdings on December 1, 2021, they are up 19% above the three years average.
“All provinces except Alberta and British Columbia reported increases in the amount of potatoes in storage compared to previous years. Good harvest conditions allowed 99% of the crop to go into storage this year,” the UPGC’s report reveals.
Fresh Holdings (those potatoes intended for table use) in Canada on December 1, 2021, are 44% above the three years average.
“Eastern Canada has the largest increases, particularly PEI and NB, after experiencing an excellent growing season compared to drought conditions a year ago. Quebec and Ontario experienced good growing conditions as well. Manitoba is the only province showing a slight decrease of 4%,” UPGC’s experts added.
Also, the holdings of potatoes destined for processing are up 15% or 375,000 tons above the three years average on December 1, 2021. All provinces except Alberta report increases in their potatoes available for processing.
“The increases will alleviate the issue of processing plants having to import potatoes into Eastern Canada, as in previous years, but will still require importations into Western Canada to keep their expanded processing plants running at full capacity. Ontario reports the largest increase in processing stocks at 28% above three years averages. Their processing stocks are almost entirely destined for the chip industry which saw increases in contract volume due to growth in demand,” the organization’s representatives mentioned.
Last, but not least, the seed inventory on December 1, 2021, is 505,000 tons, which is 2% above three years’ average levels.
“PEI, which represents 33% of the acres certified for seed in Canada, is down 24%. Alberta which certifies 22% of the seed acres in Canada, has the largest seed stocks on hand at 180,000 tons, which is 6% above three years averages. New Brunswick and Quebec stocks of potatoes intended to be used as seed are each up 15% above three years averages,” the experts concluded.
