Canada: Growers relish supplying new potato processing plant

Another 9,700 acres of potatoes will be needed in southern Alberta to supply the new Cavendish plant in Lethbridge that was officially announced Dec. 12. Greg Nakamura, whose family has been growing potatoes in the region for more than 45 years, said it might be a challenge to find those additional acres, but it can and will be done. “I think it’s exciting times for the potato industry. The opportunity to grow, I think it’s great,” Nakamura said during the announcement at Lethbridge City Hall. “Cavendish is a company that’s well respected in the industry and so we’re really welcoming the opportunity.” Terence Hochstein, executive director of the Potato Growers of Alberta, echoed that opinion. “The added approximately 10,000 acres of production it will take to fill this plant is great news,” he said, adding the acres will be found. More