Early Indicators Suggest a Promising Fall Crop Despite Recent Dry Conditions
Prince Edward Island (PEI) potato growers are displaying cautious optimism as they prepare for the upcoming fall season. An initial assessment indicates that the crop is progressing ahead of schedule, thanks to favorable planting conditions and sufficient moisture earlier in the growing season.
Mark Phillips, Marketing Specialist with the P.E.I. Potato Board, reported that the planting season was notably successful, with growers finishing earlier than usual. “We had a great planting season, and people finished earlier than normal,” Phillips stated. He also noted that the weather has been cooperative, with adequate moisture early on, although recent conditions have been drier. Fortunately, rain is forecasted, which could further benefit the crop.
The focus is currently on new potatoes, which have a thinner skin and are primarily shipped within the island. “Those have been ready since the end of June. The main crop doesn’t really get harvested until late September, with the harvest generally extending until the end of October,” Phillips explained. Some growers with early, sandier soil have already begun harvesting and shipping the new crop.
Phillips added that early bulking of the potatoes is underway, with plants producing good-sized tubers. “We’re in pretty good shape, especially if we get some rain in the near future,” he said, reflecting a cautiously optimistic outlook.
Demand for PEI potatoes remains strong, and the island is well-positioned to meet market needs. However, Phillips expressed concern about potential oversupply issues. “The external factors that people are most concerned about are if there’s a big crop in other areas, which could affect overall demand. There was quite a bit of oversupply in certain areas last year, and it could potentially repeat this year,” he noted. Currently, PEI is still shipping the 2023-2024 crop while preparing for the new harvest.
