Prince Edward Island potato growers are finishing harvesting potatoes following dry summer conditions. "It was probably one of the driest summers in decades," said Jennifer Harris of Island Growers Co. "We just didn't get rain and the outlook for the crop was initially poor and worrisome."
© Island Growers Co.
She notes though that while there are fields where more drought-resistant varieties of potatoes had been planted and the results are pleasantly surprising growers, overall the crop looks to be average to below average. "Though every year we always say it's better than expected at harvest time," says Harris. "It will be interesting to see what actually happens this year, but we're not looking for extra storage this season."
© Island Growers Co.
Recent rains
In terms of timing of the crop, harvest began on time if not slightly earlier. "Over the past week there's been a bit of rain–not much but some growers have stopped harvesting hoping it would soften the fields to dig," she says.
As for demand, it's quiet. "Very quiet actually–I was talking to a packer the other day and he was saying it's the quietest he's ever seen," says Harris. That said, there are hopes ahead that the holiday season will offer a lift to potato movement. "Idaho and the rest of the West have a plentiful crop and that will impact us, though the Northeast supply is shorter. I'm hoping that it supports pricing and growers."
© Island Growers Co.
She does note there is some pressure on pricing, but ultimately this year may be a wait and see situation for PEI potato growers and shippers. "We don't have a huge supply and I do believe demand will be there so growers may need to be patient and hopefully we'll get a higher tiered market," says Harris.
For more information:
Jennifer Harris
Island Growers Co.
Tel: +1 (902) 315-3700
[email protected]
https://islandgrowersco.com/
