The ‘PEI Issue’ Became a ‘Canadian Issue’

Compared to the same month of 2021, on February 1, 2022, the total Canadian potato storage stocks are up 26%, respectively 22% above the three-year average.

“What began as a PEI issue on November 22 when the United States border was closed to their potatoes, has become a Canadian issue, backing up supply across many parts of the country. The two most western provinces of BC and Alberta are showing declines of 5% compared to their three-year averages on February 1st,” a recent United Potato Growers of Canada (UPGC) report shows.

Fresh Holdings in Canada have again increased well above February three-year averages with 952,000 tons in the tablestock category. With the United States (US) and borders closed to PEI marketers, storages have swelled with availability only to Canadian markets.

“Stocks in the four Eastern provinces are 74% above three-year averages. The 12 weeks lost due to the border closure, has significantly reduced available packing days forcing PEI growers to destroy their excess holdings. Island growers have committed to doing this in February, which should start to bring stocks back in line by next month’s release,” according to the press statement.

Processing Potatoes Stocks, High

Holdings of potatoes destined for processing are up 15% above three-year averages at 2.408m tons. Fryers in the east have been running hard to meet increasing demand and make good use of available supply. Blocks of processing potatoes have also been moving west to supplement the expanded pack plans of those processors located there.

“US fry plants have also been interested in any available supply of processing potatoes given their shorter crop this year. Freight and winter weather have been challenging for the logistics required. Chip plants appear to have a good supply domestically to meet their processing Needs,” the UPGC document also shows.

Seed Inventory on February 1, 2022, is 5% above three-year average levels at 543,2000 tons. The largest increases in seed stocks are in Alberta, followed by New Brunswick, and Quebec.

“Available seed in British Columbia is down 12% with growers getting ready to plant early potatoes by the end of this month. PEI seed stocks are down 23% as growers unsure of their future markets, shipped some crop through other channels,” the UPGC experts concluded.