read more - Potato Growers of Alberta

POTATO GROWERS OF ALBERTA
WWW.ALBERTAPOTATOES.CA
January 22, 2016
Inside this issue:
E x e c u t i v e D i r e c to r ’ s M e s s ag e
This time last year when I wrote this
article I had looked at a comparison of
where the economy was in 2014 YTD
compared to 2015 YTD. For curiosity
sake I thought it would be a good idea to
look at it again. The results did not get
any better this time around.
* The Canadian dollar closed on around
the $0.6913 US mark.
* The price of oil hit a 13 year low of
$26.55 US a barrel
* Fuel prices are about $0.82 litre
The average consumer, as well as the
entire agricultural industry, is at the
mercy of a national and global economy
of which we have absolutely no control
over. The decisions that are made far
away from the farm gate seem to have
the most impact on what we do as an
industry every day to make a living.
This past week I had the opportunity to
spend three days in Las Vegas with
about 2000 other potato growers and
industry members from across North
America, at the 8th annual Potato Expo. A
lot of the discussion during the event was
on the social licensing and sustainability
of our industry. One of the major projects
that the industry is undertaking is the
Potato Sustainability Initiative. This
program initiated out of the IPM survey
that McDonald’s was asking their
suppliers to provide, from the growers
that were producing their fries. Since
then it has grown to include most all of
the industry players and food suppliers.
The expectation of the growers is to
continue to strive to increase and
improve their management practices in
order to meet the demands and
expectations of the buying public.
Another interesting topic of discussion is
the continued demand on the water
supplies around North America. One of
the many high usage crops of irrigation
water is potatoes. I was extremely
pleased to see that the entire irrigation
industry in Alberta is one of the most
efficient and highly regarded areas in the
world. The changes in usage and
technologies over the last 10-15 years in
Alberta are second to none.
70% of Canada’s irrigation acres are in
Alberta, which is about 1.7 million acres,
with 1.4 million situated in southern AB.
For every dollar of irrigation sales, the
total GDP increases by $2.54 and labour
income increases by $1.64. Every cubic
meter of water delivered generates about
$3.00 to the provincial GDP. For every
$1.00 the GOA invests in irrigation
infrastructure there is a $3.00 return in
revenue to Alberta and Canada.
19% of all Alberta primary Ag sales are
generated on 4.7% (irrigated acres) of
Alberta’s total cultivated land base. The
dollar value of this is about $1.7 billion
dollars annually farm gate. As well, there
is realized another $150 million in
recreation,
hydropower,
drought
mitigation and commercialized fishing
from the irrigation infrastructure projects.
The above information is referenced from
the AIPA publication, “ECONOMIC
VALUE OF IRRIGATION IN ALBERTA”.
Our potato industry is a big part of this
success story and is being recognized on
an international level. We can all be
proud of this accomplishment and tell our
part of the story with pride.
Until next month
Terence
PGA Seed Coordinator’s
Report
2
Project Manager’s
Report
3
Patti’s Report on Potato
Expo
4
2015 Potato Conference
5
50th Anniversary
History & Cook Book
5
APIA News
6
United Potato Growers of
Canada News
7
From the Office
8/9
Ag Expo Volunteers
9
Upcoming Events
Potato Selection
Release Open House
February 10th
Feb 24 - 27th
Ag Expo Lethbridge
Exhibition Park
Pesticide
Applicators Course
Jan 27th (Full)
Feb 24th (Full)
March 15th
Healthy
Management of
Fresh Potatoes
March 1, 2, and 3
(see our Industry
Calendar @
albertapotatoes.ca)
2
SEED COORDINATOR’S REPORT
2015
Post-Harvest
Test Grow Out
Deb Hart - Seed Coordinator
The CFIA Inspectors completed the final readings on the grow-out
samples on January 14th and the samples sent from Alberta
looked very good. Thanks to those that helped in any way with
the project, and plans are under way for the 2016 crop grow-out.
you sent samples and have any questions, please don’t hesitate to
contact me.
If you are exporting seed to the US, please ensure
you forward all post-harvest test results as well as the
North American Plant Health Certificate.
Potato Expo, Las Vegas
Potato Expo was held at the Mirage Hotel in Las
Vegas, January 12-15th. The PGA had a booth to
promote the industry, specifically seed. Thanks to
the growers who stopped by and spent some time
in the booth, it’s always welcome. Below is a
picture of “Betty” Spud Nations’ first food truck
created by the US National Potato Board to travel
around state events promoting potatoes. It is their
intention to build 499 more to have a total of
potentially 500 trucks serving potatoes around the
US! It’s a great idea, cause who doesn’t like to stop
by a food truck for something to eat, especially
something as good as a spud?!
Seed presentations addressed Managing Tuber
Blemish Diseases, The Science, Technology and
Utilization of GMO potatoes, Biology and
Management of the Soft Rot Bacterial Pathogens
Dickeya and Pectobacterium, and Dr. Rick Peters
spoke to How to Fit Phosphites into your Disease
Management Program. If anyone is interested in
this information please contact me and I’ll forward
it to you.
Shipping Season
A friendly reminder to contact your local CFIA office in advance to
schedule shipping point inspections. CFIA MUST perform all shipping
point inspections for shipments to the US, however if your farm is
registered on the Seed Potato Tuber Quality Management Program, you
can continue to use this program for domestic movement within Alberta
and across Canada. If you are unsure of our SPTQMP status with CFIA,
please contact them now to prevent any delays in your shipping season.
Upcoming Events
Manitoba Potato Days, Brandon, January 26-28
Washington/Oregon Potato Conference, Kennewick, WA, January 26-28
Canadian Horticulture Council AGM, March 7-10, Ottawa
3
FROM THE DESK OF THE PROJECT MANAGER
Greetings,
Potato Expo is the biggest potato event of the year in North America. People attend
from across the globe. It is a place where world class potato experts gather to discuss
and share ideas on production, research and marketing of the potato. It is a great
venue for networking and learning. This year there were 175 exhibitors in the
tradeshow and over 2000 registrants at Potato Expo in Las Vegas. I want to share
something with you that I was fortunate enough to experience while attending the
Potato Expo this month.
Prior to Potato Expo, event planners initiated the first ever Spud
Nation Throwdown food truck chef competition. They searched
across the US for food truck owners with the best food truck potato
recipes in the nation. During the months leading up to Potato Expo,
Supermarket Guru, Phil Lempert, and food judges narrowed their
search down to three finalists. Then, finalists competed for Spud
Nation’s title of first “Top Spud” in a cook-off at the Mirage Hotel on
the Expo stage. Finalists were Heather Banter from City Circle Spuds
with her Naptown Mac & BBQ spud, Bridgett Blough from The
Organic Gypsy with her Green Tahini Potato Soup, and Daniel
McCarthy from Tatoheads with his Chirizo Cheese Fries. Finalists
prepared their favourite potato dishes on stage in front of five food judges and a very large captive audience.
Potato recipes were judged based on taste, ingredients, creativity, eye appeal, and other important food dish
attributes. That evening during the Kick-Off, event attendees were served a miniature version of each dish
and were then allowed to vote for their favourite dish through the 2016 Potato Expo mobile app. The next
day during lunch, Spud Nation’s “Top Spud” was crowned in front of all the attendees.
Congratulations to Bridgett Blough with her Green Tahini Potato Soup! One thing that was unique about
Bridgett’s story was that her dad (who is retired) grows several table variety potatoes on his farm for his
daughter’s food truck. Bridgett used Yukon Gold potatoes in her soup recipe.
Overall, the Spud Nation
Throwdown cook-off
was really neat to be a
part of. The event, in my
opinion, was a great
idea (especially for those
who have a passion for
cooking with potatoes).
Potatoes are a great
food that can easily be a
part of a well-balanced
healthy diet. So, eat
more potatoes!
#passionforpotatoes
Jay Anderson,
Project Manager
4
PATTI’S THOUGHTS ON POTATO EXPO
Potato Expo 2016
Patti Lamb—PGA Executive Administrator
This year, I decided to put my opportunity for education to very practical use. I had the chance to attend the 2016
Potato Expo in Las Vegas. I found this experience very interesting, to say the least. At first, I felt a bit like a fish out
of water, but once I recognized many potato people’s faces, I was able to feel more comfortable there and
concentrate on the task at hand. I quite enjoyed the updates that were provided in the meetings that I was able to
attend. I’m hoping that this gathering of information and insight will make taking those meeting minutes much
easier.
Next, I was intrigued by the size of the trade show. I could see that just as much business is conducted at this level
as is accomplished at our own Alberta Conference and Trade Show. It was a great experience to be there and to
be part of such a large event. This year, we showcased a new, less-traditional trade show booth that was not only
much easier to transport but will provide us an opportunity to constantly update the images of our Alberta market.
I found the unveiling of the new Spud Nation food truck the most dynamic and explosive of all the events. I did
learn (after speaking to the organizer) that, even at that level, things don’t always go as planned .. at least not
without a little sweat and some practice.
Most useful, I think, was what I gained moving forward and trying to plan our own very big event this year, our
50th Anniversary in Alberta. As we continue to seek a fresh approach to how we do things every November, this
experience helped me to be more willing to try new things, to step away from the old and embrace new ideas on
how we can streamline and improve our Annual Meeting. I was very proud to be at Potato Expo and to take part
in everything I could, to continually improve our own Industry meetings where possible and the next 50 years of
our incredible history.
Cheers ….. Patti
The Spud Nation Food Truck unveiled at this year’s Potato Expo was
the big news for the United States Potato Board. As mentioned, like
last year with their goal to put 300 “potato friendly” salad bars in
schools lunch rooms each year for five years, the USPB has
committed to building 500 of these Spud Nation Food Trucks which
will be operated as a franchise opportunity, complete with an
appealing global menu.
On the left, Jay Anderson, PGA’s Project Manager enjoys a taste of
the Food Truck Challenge appetizers served during the Tuesday
Night Kick Off!
5
PGA’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY UPDATE & HISTORY FACTS
2016 Alberta
Potato Conference
& Trade Show
Can you name
these gentlemen
that made up the
first Board of
Directors for the
Alberta
Potato
Commission
(APC) ?
Celebrating PGA’s 50th Anniversary at the
breathtaking Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel!
Seed Day ~ November 21st
Conference ~ November 22nd & 23rd
Conference Theme…
Past, Present, and Future
Our first speaker of the event has just been confirmed….
Chief Economist
Todd Hirsch
For over 20 years, Todd has worked as
an economist at several organizations
including the Canadian Pacific Railway,
the Canada West Foundation and the
Bank of Canada. For almost a decade,
Todd taught economics at the
University of Calgary. He released his
first book, The Boiling Frog Dilemma:
Saving
Canada
from
Economic
Decline in 2012.
(Answer on page 8)
Copied from January page of the 2016 PGA History Calendar!
Did You Know… The Alberta Potato Commission was created on
February 23, 1966. The Commission was established at the request
of the Potato Growers and all preliminary work was done by the
Alberta Potato Growers Association. The Commission members
(Three Growers and three Trade Representatives) were appointed,
along with a secretary/manager and the first meeting was held on
April 19, 1966.
The first attempts to set up a Commission were in 1961. At the time,
the Growers Association requested a change in the marketing of
Agriculture Products Act to allow for Commissions, as well as
marketing boards. This legislation was finally passed in 1965, and
the very first Commission in Alberta became operative and opened
their office on June 1, 1966.
Todd provides economic commentary for many Canadian
media outlets and is a regular columnist for the Globe and
Mail. He currently serves on the University of Calgary
Board of Governors and is the chair of the Calgary Arts
Academy. Todd recently received the University of
Alberta's Alumni Honour Award.
Todd holds a BA Honours in Economics from the U of A
and an MA in Economics from the University of Calgary.
Todd will speak to us after lunch on opening day,
Tuesday November 22nd
THE VERY BEST DEAL IN TOWN…
EARLY REGISTRATION FOR THE 2016 ALBERTA
POTATO CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW!!
Prices are rock bottom for Growers and Non Growers!
Go to our website, albertapotatoes.ca and click on
the featured link for both registration and room
booking. Alternatively call the office or the Banff
Springs at 1-800-441-1414 Quote 1116POTA
If you are viewing this newsletter online...click below
BOOK YOUR ROOM
EARLY REGISTER
FILLABLE FORM
PGA Growers... past and present.
We encourage you to provide your Alberta potato farming
history along with a favourite potato recipe for the PGA’s 50th
Anniversary book. Provide your story and recipe by the due date
of MARCH 15th and be entered to win your edition of hard
covered book .
The 50th Anniversary History & Cook Book
Committee met this week, and what a great
group we have to put together this memorabilia
of our Association! We have big ambitions, to
create a two part, 300 page book; the first part a
history of the potato growers from the 1960’s
onward, and the second part to be a collection of
the grower’s favourite potato recipes. We plan to
unveil the book at the Banff Springs in November.
Easy to use, fillable forms are available on the
homepage
slideshow
on
our
website
albertapotateos.ca, or click on the links on the
right if viewing this newsletter online.
Recipe template
History template
6
APIA NEWS
2015
ALBERTA POTATO
CONFERENCE
& TRADE SHOW
The “Talk To Me” program was very successful at the 2015
Alberta Potato Conference Trade Show. Winners of the draws
are as follows:
$200 - Jake Rozendaal - entered by Tomra Sorting Solutions
$400 - Ben Meyer - entered by CPS
$600 - Robert Gross - entered by Gouw Naturals
$800 - Robert Gross - entered by Omex
$1,000 - Peter VanGiessen - entered by Kinniburgh Spray
Services
Sincere thanks to everyone in attendance at the Alberta Potato
Conference who helped the APIA celebrate it's 25th Anniversary. Founding members were honored during the banquet for
their vision and work in bringing the APIA to life.
The founding members of the APIA are:

Ian McGillivray

Jan Brown

Bill Hacker

Chuck Corah

Wayne Jensen

Tricky Owikawa

Myron Deitrich

Carl & Betty Hobbs

Harv Tams

Don Roubis
Lifetime members of the APIA were acknowledged.
They are:

Bill Hacker

Chuck Corah

Wayne Jensen

Tricky Owikawa

Phil Sandberg

Brian Gash

Peter Mitchell

Dave Kaiser

Tony Mrak
Volunteers are the strength of the APIA.
In addition to the entire APIA Board for their help, the
following individuals took on a much larger role this year
th
at APIA’s 25 Anniversary Celebration at the
2015 Alberta Potato Conference. If you get a chance to
see them give them a big spud Thank You!
 Justin Quintin for organizing the Trade Show
 Bruce Fletcher, Dave McClean, Jaques Nelis, Sue
Schmienk and Dustin Downy for serving the Potato
Martini Bar
 Caroline Sawatzky for organizing the “Ladies Only”
session at the Trade Show
th
 Dean Quinn for leading the “APIA 25 Anniversary
Glasses” campaign.
 Bill Hacker for all of his work with the APIA Founders
and the Banquet
 Joal McCordick for signage
A CALL TO ALL EXHIBITORS
Planning for the 2016 Alberta Potato Conference and
Trade Show has begun. As this years show will be at the
Banff Springs, where the PGA will be celebrating it’s
50th Anniversary, you will want to commit early. Exhibitors fees for Banff will be the same as they were in 2015!
Book your space in the Trade Show and your hotel rooms
now. Early indications are that the Trade Show will sell
out fast.
Contact Justin Quinton ( justin@downtoearthlabs.com )
S
hirley and Cecil
Goutbeck from
Northbank Potato
Farm extend thanks
to the APIA for a trip
they won at the 2014
Potato Conference
and were able to
enjoy this past fall.
MUST SEE VIDEOS
Jeff Bronsch, along with his daughter Carmen, donated their
time and skill sets to put together a couple of videos for the
25th Anniversary Celebration.
This first video is a short version about the APIA that was
presented at the banquet in
Red Deer. It tells the story of
how the APIA came to be and
what it is. This is a must
Click here for a link to the
25th APIA Anniversary Tribute watch if you are interested in
knowing a little bit more about
Video
the APIA.
The link is here https://youtu.be/GACT6O6Ct3E
The second video is a tribute to the APIA by the legendary
local band "The Dormant".
Click here to view
the video by
The Dormant comprise of locals Ian
McGillivray, Chris Perry, Cam Perry,
The Dormant
Jeff Bronsch, Cam Campbell, Brian
“Wouldn’t Change
Wilson and many other guest
musicians. The hosts of "Chinstock"
A Thing”
wrote and performed the song
"Wouldn't Change A Thing" in a
potato field along the Oldman River,
just north of Chin. Jeff and his drone did a remarkable job
in capturing the performance of this tribute performance.
The link for the video is https://youtu.be/O5AoZOuQtvk
7
UPGC NEWS
The Potato Business Summit was held this week for the
10th consecutive year, in conjunction with Potato Expo.
Sponsored by United Potato Growers of America, United
Potato Growers of Canada, and the Potato Marketing
Association of North America, it brought together a wide
range of speakers on global topics.
Economists from both Rabobank and John Deere
analyzed the commodity and economic outlook for
various crops. Global Wheat exports from the US are flat
to declining. This is mostly due to North American
currency being beat up in the currency war. Areas like
the Black Sea are moving up in competitiveness. The
price of corn drives all other crops. The corn crop is
coming off of a high yield year, but El Nino and an
18year cycle will someday bring corn back to the price it
was over the last 3 years. Soybeans are a little different
with 65% of the world trade going to China, and
therefore dependent on their economy. Globally, GDP is
growing about 3.6%. By comparison, China’s GDP is
growing at 6.3%, the United States at 2.8% and Canada
at 1.7%. In terms of growth of food crops, economists
have determined that population size is more important
than income of that population.
Canada’s potato industry is very dependent on export,
with fries being the big one. Frozen potato exports have
declined in the US from 75 million cwt. to 71 million cwt.
Globally Japan buys 12% of the fries followed by Brazil at
12%, Saudi Arabia at 9%, China at 6%, and Mexico at 6%.
For US fries specifically, Japan buys 26%, Mexico buys
14%, China 13%, South Korea at 9% and Philippines at
6%. Fry exports peaked in 1995 and has not reached that
level since.
On the Canadian Tablestock call this week,
participants expressed frustration with
articles and media coverage on the high
cost of produce in grocery stores, with no
mention of the good value that potatoes
provide. One would expect that with the
relatively low cost of potatoes compared to other root crops,
vegetables and produce, they should be flying off the grocery
shelves. The reality is that demand is not surging right now.
Below is a short article written by Kevin MacIsaac highlighting
potatoes as a good, nutritional, well-priced option for
consumers.
The price that consumers pay for many kinds of produce has
greatly increased over the past year. Food analysts point in
particular, to imported produce, greatly affected by the
lowest exchange rate experienced by the Canadian Looney
in 12 years.
Potatoes, however, are one commodity with consistent prices
compared to last year or even the year before. So why is it,
that at the potato stand in the produce aisle, potatoes cost
Haven Baker explained JR
Simplot’s production of the
Innate variety of potatoes. By
reducing losses due to bruising
and browning this variety is
improving pack out levels in
fresh sheds by 10%. It also
allows the potatoes to be stored at a cooler temperature
while still providing good fry color. He also discussed
some of the goals in future lines such as blight resistance
and reduced water use. They have received approval
from USDA for Innate in the last year and expect to roll
out something in Canada this year.
Jerry Wright, CEO of UPGA, wrapped up the conference
with a review of 2015 fresh shipments. Reds, which have
been a growing sector, are flat for the first time in 4 years.
Yellows continue to grow as a category. Russet shipping
volume is down even with the price being down. Two
growth areas are organics, but they only represent 1.7%
of the industry, and petites which represent 4 times the
amount of volume that organic does.
Finally, an outlook for the 2016 crop was discussed based
on crop prediction models designed by Bruce Huffaker.
The accuracy of these models has been fairly good in the
past. Basically potato crop acreage tends to increase with
the lower profitability of alternative crops, something
which is currently happening with corn, wheat, malting
barley, and soybeans in 2016. Growers would expect to
lose less on the potato crop and adjust their acreage,
accordingly.
Over 300 participants attended the Potato Business
Summit for the wealth of information provided.
Presentations
will
be
available
at
www.potatobusinesssummit.com.
Submitted by Kevin MacIsaac
General Manager kevin@unitedpotatocanada.com
approximately the same as they did a year ago at this time? A
couple of reasons are evident; Potatoes are often used by the
produce category in the grocery store to attract customers
into the store. Displays are usually at the front of the
supermarket catching your eye as you enter after picking up
your cart.
Potatoes are one of the top earning categories contributing
to the profit margin of the retail grocery chains. Retailers do
this by keeping the retail price consistent and competitive
with other stores. What does change, however, is the price
paid to the primary producers – the people who actually
grew the potatoes. Much to the chagrin of the growers, it is
often difficult to raise the price of potatoes paid by National
Chains. Grocers get used to paying lower prices for their
consumer bags in years of over supply, and it becomes
difficult to raise that price in years where supply matches
demand or even when demand exceeds supply. When
potatoes are advertised on special in grocery store flyers (“on
ad”) grocery stores often ask shippers to provide the food at a
lower price so that retail margins can be maintained.
8
Thank you from the
PGA Staff
to the great folks at Old Dutch
and Pepsico—Frito Lay for
always providing us potato
chips throughout the year as
give-aways for our promotional
events.
And of course for the goodie
package Old Dutch gave to the
staff of the PGA at Christmas!
Bill 6 Feedback Survey
News Release
Alberta crop
commissions urge
farmers, ranchers and
farm workers to
participate in this online
survey to garner Bill 6
Feedback
FARMERS, RANCHERS AND
WORKERS CAN FILL OUT
THE SURVEY BY GOING TO
http://svy.mk./233nWTA
CHECK IT OUT!
APIA and The Dormant
videos along with other
potato- related clips are
available on the homepage of our
website by clicking on the
YouTube icon at the top.
February is Potato Lover’s Month!
Enjoy your spuds for
the taste, the nutrients
and the affordable
price!!
Answer from page 5
1st Board of Directors for
Alberta Potato Commission
(Back row from left)
Larry Jorgensen—Manager,
K. Tajiri, R. Newell, E. Lewis
(Front row from left)
P. Soulier (Chariman,
E.E. O’Donnell
C. Lemmen
Licence to Farm
SaskCanola released a 30
minute documentary this past
month aiming to bridge ruralurban knowledge gap on
farming. It features a previous
Keynote speaker from our 2013
AGM. Follow this link
Licensetofarm.com
9
TO ALL ALBERTA GROWERS….
We need your STORAGE
REPORTS
by
MONDAY
FEBRUARY 1st to give us enough
time to report the total tonnage
to the Alberta Government. If
you require any assistance, or are
not near your computer, please
give Cindy a call at the office or email her at
cindy@albertapotatoes.ca with your info. Thanks!
Invitation
You are cordially invited to attend the
Potato Research Centre’s and
Lethbridge Research Centre’s
Potato Selection Release
Open House
Wednesday, February 10th
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Lethbridge Research Centre
Schedule
Ag Expo at the Lethbridge Exhibition is approaching
quickly and w e still need volunteers, in the PGA
booth on Feb. 24th, 25th and 26th.
Shifts are: 9—noon, 12-3 pm, or 3-6 pm.
Will you please call or email Patti if you can help?
patti@albertapotatoes.ca 403-223-2262
INTEREST FREE LOANS
The opportunity for an interest- free loan is still
available for your 2015 crop. Deadline for
applications is
April 30th, 2016
Please give Cindy a
call for more info
6008 46 Avenue Taber, AB T1G
2B1
Phone: 403-223-2262
Fax: 403-223-2268
E-mail: pga@albertapotatoes.ca
STAFF EDITOR: WENDY McDONALD
The PGA assumes no responsibility for any errors in the information provided, nor assumes
any liability for any damages incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use
and application of any of the contents of The Potato Minute. Unless otherwise noted on
an individual document, the PGA grants users permission to reproduce and distribute
information in the Potato Minute as long as the contents remain unaltered and as long as
it is noted that the contents have been made available by the PGA.
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (MST) • Video Link with
Fredericton and Guelph Research & Development Centres for presentations by various
potato industry and research specialists
12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. • Lunch
12:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. • View potato selections

New AR2016 Accelerated Release selections
from the Lethbridge and Fredericton Research
& Development Centres available for two
years of non-exclusive evaluation.

AR2014 series Accelerated Release selections
available for three years of exclusive evaluation and the option to negotiate a commercial
licence agreement (cash bid process).
We look forward to seeing you!
Further information is available on-line at:
www.agr.gc.ca/potato-cultivars
Detailed information on the selections will be
available on our web site in February.