Simplot Postpones the Introduction of Innate Potatoes in Canada

Simplot Plant Sciences, the company that developed the Innate potato, decided that GMO potatoes will not be commercially grown on Prince Edward Island, Canada, this year.

Doug Cole, director of marketing and communications, said the company is holding off allowing commercial growth of Innate potatoes in Canada until there's a proven market for them. "There is strong interest from the grower community and retailers are also interested. But it's a very involved purchase decision," said Cole, according to CBC News.

"Because we're the only branded bio-tech item in the produce aisle it's an involved decision, right, and so they don't want to take it without a lot of advisement and we certainly understand that and we'll be patient. When there's a market we'll be there."

He said there are about five acres of test plots on P.E.I. this year.

Cole added over the last three years, the acreage in the United States has grown to 6,000 acres, and the potatoes are sold in about 4,000 supermarkets across 40 states.

Innate potatoes have the advantages of bruising less and having less black spots than conventional potatoes.

Related articles:

USDA Deregulates Additional Varieties of Innate Potato

New Variety of Innate Potato Approved

Simplot Innate Potato Varieties are approved in Canada

Simplot’s First Generation of Innate Potatoes Receives Canadian Government Clearance