Too many potatoes today, risk shortage tomorrow

The Canadian Potato Council has called for emergency response from the federal Department of Agriculture to protect the sector from surpluses. Surpluses that could lead to a shortage in the long term.

 

 

 

About 4.8 million tonnes of potatoes were harvested in 2019, with an estimated value of CAD 1.3 billion ($ 931 million). About 2/3 of this harvest is intended for processing plants which then send their products to restaurateurs. But with restaurants closed, demand has disappeared and processors no longer buy fresh potatoes.

 

 

 

A quarter of last year's crop, 1.4 million tonnes representing CAD 320 million ($ 229 million) is still stored on farms, jeopardizing this year's production.

 

 

 

With the arrival of spring, farmers must plant for the new harvest. But with the current situation, the plantation forecasts decrease. About 15 to 20%. This could lead to higher prices and temporary shortages of certain products.