Parkland Potato Varieties will be hosting it’s annual open day at the Crop Diversification Centre South in Brooks, Alberta on August 18th from 10 am to 2 pm. The company will be showcasing several varieties during the field day, including processing, main market whites and yellows, reds, creamers and chipping varieties. Although they continue to sell the standard open varieties, like Russets, Shepodies and Atlantics, Parkland is seeing a steady increased interest from growers in private varieties, in particular fresh market yellows. According to Kirby Sawatzky, Director of Parkland, new processing and chipping varieties have greater bruise resistance and can be stored for longer periods of time.
Sawatzky points out that his company also have new varieties with “fantastic skin finish for the fresh market.” The majority of Parkland’s new varieties are bred in Europe, many from Agrico Research. These naturally bred varieties are selected based on their resistance to disease, their culinary qualities and tuber set, particularly for creamer varieties. Often, a variety may fill more than more market category, giving added flexibility for the grower.
Parkland and Agrico have worked together since 1997. Since joining forces, Parkland and Agrico have introduced many successful varieties into North America.
Source: Parkland Potato Varieties
