As 2024 comes to a close, the Canadian potato industry takes stock of a growing season marked by erratic weather and exceptional production. According to Victoria Stamper, General Manager of the United Potato Growers of Canada (UPGC), this year has seen a “flip of results from west to east” compared to 2023.
While the western provinces experienced rainfall for the first time in years, the eastern provinces escaped the heavy rains that plagued them in the previous season, according to Stamper. However, she says – extreme weather events — from hailstorms to drought-like conditions — left an imprint across all regions.
Largest Potato Crop in Canadian History
Statistics Canada reports that the 2024 potato harvest reached a record-setting 127 million hundredweight (cwt), an increase of 0.3% from the previous year. This milestone came despite a marginal decline in the national average yield, which dropped 0.2% to 330.9 cwt/acre from 331.7 cwt/acre in 2023. The increase in production was driven primarily by a 0.5% rise in harvested area, reaching 383,666 acres.
New Brunswick and Quebec experienced the most notable production increases, recovering from the wet conditions of 2023. New Brunswick recorded a 14.3% jump to 17.0 million cwt, while Quebec’s production went up 17.5% to 13.7 million cwt. Alberta retained its position as the largest potato-producing province, accounting for 23.7% of the national total, followed by Manitoba (21.6%) and Prince Edward Island (20.4%).
Weather Challenges Across the Country
Despite the record-breaking harvest, challenging weather conditions impacted the growing season and harvest. The east faced insufficient rainfall during critical months, with Prince Edward Island and southern New Brunswick struggling through a dry August and September. In stark contrast, southern Manitoba endured over 165 mm of rain in mid-September, and parts of Quebec were drenched with nearly 220 mm after the remnants of Hurricane Debbie swept through in August.
Harvest conditions were also less than ideal, with many regions facing partial digging days due to unseasonably warm temperatures in September and October. However, the overall quality of potatoes harvested across the country was reported to be very good.
Decrease in Lost Acres
A positive development in 2024 was the significant reduction in abandoned or “lost” acres. The figure fell 29.6% from 11,042 acres in 2023 to just over 7,700 acres this year.
This reduction highlights improved growing and harvesting conditions compared to last year, according to Victoria Stamper.
Shifts in Seeded and Harvested Areas
The total seeded area for potatoes in Canada decreased slightly in 2024, down 0.3% to 391,438 acres. Alberta (-4.5%) and Manitoba (-3.0%) saw the largest declines in seeded area, reflecting lower demand for processing potatoes. These decreases were offset by gains in Quebec (+4.6%), Ontario (+4.1%), and Prince Edward Island (+0.9%).
Despite the reduction in seeded acreage, the harvested area grew by 0.5%, thanks to favorable growing conditions in Eastern Canada. Improved weather allowed Quebec and New Brunswick to achieve increased yields, rising by 10.3% and 9.3%, respectively.
Provincial Highlights
- Alberta: Maintained the highest average yield of 412.0 cwt/acre, despite a 1.8% decrease from 2023.
- Manitoba: Yield fell 2.7% to 362.1 cwt/acre, though the province remained a significant contributor to national production.
- British Columbia: Reported a notable 10.7% decrease in yield, dropping to 329.5 cwt/acre.
- Eastern Canada: Benefited from improved weather, with New Brunswick and Quebec leading yield increases.
Looking Ahead
The 2024 season highlights both the resilience of Canadian potato growers and the impact of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. As the industry navigates these challenges, the record-setting production offers a testament to advancements in farming practices and regional adaptability.
According to Victoria Stamper, the United Potato Growers of Canada will continue to monitor trends and provide vital support to growers across the country as they prepare for another year.
Source: United Potato Growers of Canada (UPGC)
Contact for more information:
Victoria Stamper, General Manager
victoria@unitedpotatocanada.com
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