The United Potato Growers of Canada released the following information regarding planting recommendations for the 2020 potato crop.
As growers head to the fields with their potato planters, much uncertainty lies about future demand for the crop and what is the appropriate supply to meet the needs of the public as their buying and eating habits evolve due to COVID-19 distancing requirements.
Processors who manufacture fries have seen a decline in sales, as fast casual and quick service restaurants have closed sit-down portions of their restaurants. As a result, fry companies have reduced the volume of potatoes they will need to contract from growers not only in Canada, but from around the world. Unfortunately, depending on which markets these individual factories supply, the cuts could range from 15% to 30% below last year. When fryers are able to make these final estimates available to their growers, producers should only plant what is required for those contracted volumes.
Producers of fresh potatoes which are sold into the table market, should be aware that demand for fresh potatoes sold in retail stores at the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic has been very good as more consumers stayed at home and cooked more meals within the household.
More recently however, the closure of sit-down restaurants has dramatically slowed sales of potatoes in the carton category. These larger count size potatoes typically sold into the food service sector have been backing up as a result of fewer consumers able to choose their potato menu selection within the walls of a restaurant.
In addition, some potatoes which had been grown for the processing sector, are now having to find a different home, as factories have slowed production to meet freezer capacity. Some of the potatoes from that sector are currently being offered to the table market.
The recommendation is that growers plant only those acres for their market which has a known volume at a known price. Although fresh cuts are not as substantial as in the processing sector, information to date suggests the table market may need 10-15% less potatoes than last year. The difficulty in predicting the most accurate model is first of all, the start-up date for return to normal, and secondly, the speed of return to market correction. At this time, it is estimated that it could take from six months to a year, to reach historical consumption and sales levels.
The third important component of the industry is seed production. These seed growers have the very important task of supplying the basic start to processing, table and chip crops. Unfortunately, they in turn will need to adjust their planting intentions, as their markets to some customers in the other sectors have declined substantially below last year.
Growers are asked to consider all available information as they make their planting decisions this spring.
For more information:
Kevin MacIsaac
United Potato Growers of Canada
Email: Kevin@unitedpotatocanada.com
www.unitedpotatocanada.com