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Highlights

This publication contains the preliminary estimate of the area planted to potatoes in 2007.

1. Canadian farmers have planted virtually the same area in potatoes this summer as they did last year, according to preliminary survey data.
2. However, the survey showed that potato production is continuing its shift to the west. A substantial increase in area in Manitoba this year has offset declines in Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan and Prince Edward Island.
3. Nationally, farmers have planted an estimated 401,500 acres in potatoes this year. This level is almost identical to last year’s area based on responses to the 2006 Census of Agriculture.
4. For the purposes of this release, and the accompanying table, survey data for 2007 are compared to data from the Census of Agriculture. Data on historical areas planted and harvested, as well as production numbers, will not be aligned with the census findings until the next release of Canadian potato production on November 23, 2007. Until then, caution should be used in making historical comparisons.
5. Survey data showed Manitoba producers planted an estimated 89,000 acres in 2007, up 10% from the 80,631 acres reported in the census. This big gain was due to renewed processing contracts.
6. All eastern provinces reduced their area. Potato area fell by 10% in both Saskatchewan and Quebec, 3% in Ontario and just over 1% in both New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Area remained stable in Alberta, and increased slightly in British Columbia.
7. The decline in Quebec was the result of golden cysted nematodes. Last year’s affected producers in the Montérégie region planted alternate crops this year. Other Quebec potato producers did not pick up the slack.
8. Prince Edward Island still leads all provinces with 24% of the national area. It is followed closely by Manitoba, which now accounts for 22%. New Brunswick and Alberta are a distant third and fourth, with 15% and 14% respectively.