Potato production down

The production of potatoes in Canada is declining, according to figures released by Statistics Canada.

Potato Production is estimated at 92,653,000 quintals (4,202,740 tons) in a preliminary report, representing a decrease of 4% compared to last year's harvest.

This decrease is mainly due to lower yields, estimated at 266.1 quintals per acre (29.83 tons per hectare), the yield in 2011 was down 6% from 2010. The decrease was 19% in the Ontario and 17% in New Brunswick. However, British Columbia has performed strongly by increasing yields 68% after a catastrophic year 2010.

Acreage was up 1% to 361,100 acres (146,137 hectares) and the harvested area was up 2% to 348,200 acres (140,917 hectares).

source : potato pro