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SPUDSMART.COM PublicationsMailAgreement40030841 WORLD POTATO CONGRESS 2015 CHINAS NEW STAPLE FOOD GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWING POTATOES IN ARGENTINA Late Blight Breakthrough Potatoes on Rise in East Africa BRIGHT FUTURE CRAFTING A GREAT BRAND CANADAS COVERED BRIDGE POTATO CHIP COMPANY Write your ownsuccess story The Profit Promoter with built-in potato consultancy EMESTO is the new family of potato seed treatments that offers an outstanding efcacy against Rhizoctonia as well as other diseases and pests resulting in more marketable yield better quality reduced input no worries Please check the approval status of EMESTO in your country. For specic instructions please consult the EMESTO product label. EMESTO is a registered trademark of Bayer AG. Copyright Bayer CropScience 2012 W 1INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2015 SPUDSMART.COM CONTENTS INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2015 Potato field in Ethiopia. Photo International Potato Center. See our Bright Future story on page 14 to learn more about potato production in East Africa. ON THE COVER FEATURES 02 FROM OUR DESK 03 WORLD POTATO CONGRESS SCHEDULE 32 POTATO FACTS DEPARTMENTS 18 GROWING POTATOES IN ARGENTINA Canadian and American producers get first-hand look. 24 LATE BLIGHT BREAKTHROUGH Major genetic discovery holds huge potential for global potato industry. 28 CRAFTING A GREAT BRAND Canadas Covered Bridge Potato Chip Company. 04 GREETINGS Welcome to the World Potato Congress 06 THE NEW STAPLE FOOD IN CHINA Asian giants push to boost domestic consumption. 10 GLOBAL RESEARCH CIP works to protect potato heritage in Andes and expand grower choices in Asia. 14 BRIGHT FUTURE Potatoes gaining a foothold in East Africa. SpudSmart SpudSmartMag spudsmart.com SPUDSMART.COM INTERNATIONAL EDITION 20152 Potato Continues to Make New Inroads Around the World AS WE HAVE come to learn collaboration is often at the root of success and our International Edition of Spud Smart definitely follows that pattern. Our editor Mark Halsall has done an extraordinary job of a bringing into focus how important potatoes are globally and b putting a spotlight on the role that China plays in potato development and production. While already considered the top-producing country of potatoes globally China is now poised to boost consumption among the Chinese public creating a new marketing branch for one of the worlds principal crops. At the beginning of 2015 the Chinese government announced plans to ramp up domestic production and consumption of potatoes in order to help Chinas food security levels and ease pressure on the environment as well as to help increase farm incomes within the country. According to Yan Feng division director of the Agricultural Trade Promotion Center with the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture there are over 50 million jobs as a direct result of the countrys potato industry showing the significance of the industry within China. Feng says increased potato consumption will only bolster food security for this nation of approximately 1.3 billion people. In the past two decades since the rapid development of the potato industry in some of the poorer regions of China many potato farmers have risen out of poverty and the potato industry has become the backbone of those communities says Feng. Over the years China has received help from such scientists as Peter VanderZaag a Canadian potato grower and researcher who is recognized as one of Canadas leading authorities on potatoes. VanderZaag has spent much of his time abroad helping countries such as China to further develop their potato industry. As a member of the International Potato Center CIP VanderZaag began working to help grow the Chinese potato industry in 1985. Since this time he notes that China has made tremendous strides. Potato production in China has increased six-fold over the last 30 years VanderZaag says. When I started working there it was still a very food-deficit country. When VanderZaag arrived to lead CIP in its effort to build a research centre in China things were beginning to change. CIPs efforts to help mentor a new generation of potato growers and scientists have ensured that the industry keeps coming up with innovative ways to increase potato production in China. The Chinese acknowledge there are still hurdles to overcome such as creating more processing opportunities for producers within the country but they are very optimistic. According to Feng the Chinese government has introduced several economic policies to highlight the importance of the potato as a main crop for food security in China. As we attend this years World Potato Congress in Beijing we look forward to hearing of new advancements within China for its flourishing potato industry and hope to foster further initiatives in research and development to help China reach its domestic potato production and consumption goals. INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2015 The magazine of the Canadian potato industry. PUBLISHED BY 6327435 Canada Ltd. 403-313 Pacific Ave. Winnipeg MB R3A 0M2 Phone 204-453-1965 Fax 204-475-5247 Email issuesissuesink.com issuesink.com PUBLISHER Shawn Brook sbrookissuesink.com EDITOR Mark Halsall mhalsallissuesink.com EDITORIAL Julie Deering Lindsay Hoffman Shannon Schindle Marc Zienkiewicz MARKETING Craig Armstrong carmstrongissuesink.com Brenda Ezinicki bezinickiissuesink.com Sam Mostafa smostafaissuesink.com Hiten Shah hshahissuesink.com CREATIVE Theresa Kurjewicz Lesley Nakonechny DIGITAL Kyle Dratowany Jill Hollosi Caleb MacDonald Lynne Roy CIRCULATION Dean French dfrenchissuesink.com CONTRIBUTORS Julienne Isaacs EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Khalil Al-Mughrabi Benoit Bizimungu Robert C. Bob Hamilton Jason Kehler Keith Kuhl Bill Moons Rick D. Peters Janet Porchak Tracy Shinners-Carnelley Bert Tupling Peter VanderZaag Hubert Zandstra SUBSCRIPTIONS Spud Smart is published four times a year. To subscribe please email subscribeissuesink.com. Canadian subscription rate is 45.00year plus GST. International subscription rate is CDN95.00year. PRINTED IN CHINA Please recycle where facilities exist. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Spud Smart makes no expressed or implied warranties of mechantability or fitness for a particular purpose or otherwise concerning the use of any product and assumes no liability for any injury or damage direct or consequential incurred from the use of such products or services therein. Federal provincial and municipal laws and regulations supersede the information contained within. Publications Mail Agreement No. 40030841. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Issues Ink 403-313 Pacific Ave. Winnipeg MB R3A 0M2 PRIVACY CODE To view our privacy policy visit spudsmart.com. SPUDSMART.COM SPUDSMART SPUDSMARTMAG FROMOURDESK Shawn Brook Publisher Spud Smart Schedule of Events World Potato Congress MONDAY JULY 27 All Day Hotel Check In and Conference Registration Golf Tournament Participants Check In on July 26 Evening Welcome Reception TUESDAY JULY 28 All Day Trade Show Morning Opening Ceremony Keynote Speeches Sustainable Development of Potato Industry in China - Qu Dongyu Global Food and Agriculture Issues - Percy Misika Afternoon Keynote Speeches Development of Chinese Agriculture and Food Security - Ke Bingsheng The Role of the Potato for Global Food Security - Barbara Wells Technical Sessions Communications for Promoting the Potato Potato Storage and Processing Water Challenges and Opportunities in Potato Production Evening Networking Opportunities WEDNESDAY JULY 29 All Day Conference on Potato Staple Foods includes Technical Sessions Morning Keynote Speeches Policy and Strategy for the Development of Chinas Potato Industry and Potato as Staple Food - Yu Xinrong World Potato Markets Trends Investments Intercontinental Trade and Its Implications for Future - Cedric Porter Strategy Opportunities and Challenges of Potato as Staple food in Global Chain Context - Qu Dongyu Technical Sessions Potato Varietal Development Integrated Crop Management Major Potato Diseases Afternoon Technical Sessions Biotechnology in Potato Breeding Potato Consumption and Markets Closing Plenary Evening Closing and Industry Awards Ceremony THURSDAY JULY 30 All Day Industry Tours BARBARA WELLS Director General of International Potato Center CEDRIC PORTER Managing Editor of World Potato Markets KEYNOTE SPEECH PRESENTERS QU DONGYU Chair of Potato Association of China PERCY MISIKA U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization Representative in China KE BINGSHENG President of China Agricultural University Develop Together Yanqing 28-30 July For a Better Future www.2015bjwpc.com 9th Beijing2015 YU XINRONG Vice Minister of Chinese Ministry of Agriculture 3INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2015 SPUDSMART.COM SPUDSMART.COM INTERNATIONAL EDITION 20154 GREETINGS DAVID A. THOMPSON President and CEO World Potato Congress NN HAO WELCOME It is a great pleasure for me to welcome all delegates to the ninth World Potato Congress. Situated in Yanqing County Beijing China this years WPC promises to challenge and enlighten participants reflecting the theme Develop Together for a Better Future. As president of World Potato Congress Inc. I can confidently state all delegates will benefit from the opportunity to interact and network with potato industry leaders from more than 40 countries from across the globe. Our host organizers have left no stone unturned in their efforts to present a world-class congress featuring globally renowned speakers and addressing pivotal issues impacting the international potato industry. The formal program will be complimented by numerous social events and tours that will provide opportunities for delegates to interact directly with colleagues. The newly constructed Beijing Badaling International Conference and Exhibition Center will be the venue for a congress that promises to provide delegates exposure to the most recent and relevant developments in the Chinese potato industry. The recent recognition of the potato as a staple food of China has placed our congress at the forefront of initiatives that will guide the growth and development of the industry in China. A planned parallel workshop on this initiative will place delegates in an ideal position to capitalize on knowledge gained through direct dialogue with industry leaders here. The abundant beauty of Yanqing County the proximity of the Badaling Great Wall and the historical attractions of Beijings Forbidden City the Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen Square all combine to offer delegates a unique perspective of Chinese history and culture. And the amazing Chinese cuisine will tempt the palate of each and every delegate as you enjoy wonderful music and entertainment provided by gracious hosts. On behalf of the directors and international advisors of World Potato Congress Inc. as well as our official WPC media partner Spud Smart magazine I wish to express appreciation to our host organizers the Peoples Government of Yanqing County and the Agricultural Trade and Promotion Centre and the entire WPC team for their efforts in presenting an outstanding congress. In closing I invite you to absorb all that China has to offer embrace the warm and caring people and indulge yourselves in a cultural experience you will remember for a lifetime. May you return home with positive impressions and a renewed commitment to develop together for a better future. IT IS MY PLEASURE to welcome the 2015 World Potato Congress back to China after it was held in the Chinese city of Kunming in 2004. On behalf of Agricultural Trade Promotion Center ATPC of Ministry of Agriculture one of the organizers of this years event I would like to extend a sincere welcome to all the friends and colleagues from the world global potato industry. We invite all of you to witness together the development and achievements of Chinas potato industry over the past 11 years exchange your experiences and wisdom and share with us the challenges and development opportunities you see for the potato market in the future. China is the worlds biggest producer of potatoes and accounts for one-quarter of the growing area and one-fifth of the yield of potatoes in global terms. Among 31 provinces of China over 80 per cent of them have potato planting in their territory. In 2013 the total potato growing area in China exceeded 5.61 million hectares 13.86 million acres a 22 per cent increase from 2004. Chinas total potato production reached 95.94 million tons in 2013 a 41 per cent increase compared to 2004. To help develop Chinas potato industry and benefit communication and co-operation with the international potato industry the ATPC has successfully held the China Potato Expo every year since 2010. Through the vivid demonstrations and various activities during this event many fine companies and individuals abroad have enhanced their communication with those in the Chinese potato market. In 2015 the China Potato Expo is being jointly held with World Potato Congress which will further integrate Chinas potato industry with that of the world and in turn bring new development opportunities to people working in the international potato industry. Yanqing County as the location of the 2015 World Potato Congress is refined environmentally profound in cultural heritage and well known as a tourist resort. I hope you can enjoy Yanqings beautiful views when you have a moment in your busy schedules. In the end I wish the 2015 World Potato Congress great success and for everyone to have a pleasurable and fruitful stay in Beijing DR. NI HONGXING Director General Agricultural Trade Promotion Center Ministry of Agriculture Peoples Republic of China 5INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2015 SPUDSMART.COM ON BEHALF OF the Canadian Potato Council I extend greetings. Welcome delegates distinguished guests producers representatives of the potato processing sector retailers and all who are attending this spectacular event the World Potato Congress. It is amazing how our world has shrunk. Although distances separating us can be great innovations in technology and the rapid speed of information today has made so many things possible. The World Potato Congress is being held half a world away from where we are in Canada yet we are able get a sense of the event as if we are right there in Beijing China. It is good that a worldwide congress can be held where we exchange information and ideas about how the global potato situation impacts our lives locally. The positives that come out of these events will help us all to continue to be world-class producers of potatoes and potato products. The ever-increasing global population and a finite land resource behooves us all to be diligent in how we can ensure the worldwide growth and development of the potato industry. Once again on behalf of the Canadian Potato Council I commend the organizers of the World Potato Congress and wish delegates and attendees a successful convention. GREETINGS FROM the International Potato Center There is much for us to discuss at the World Potato Congress and one of those discussions is about the potential of the potato as a driver for sustainable global food security. More than a billion people in the world eat potatoes and it is fitting that this triennial World Potato Congress is being held in the Peoples Republic of China this year since China is the worlds biggest potato producer and consumer. The extraordinary adaptive range of the potato and its ease of cultivation and high nutritional value has led to steady increases in potato consumption in developing countries. And yet the International Food Policy Research Institutes Global Hunger Index lists 56 countries with serious alarming or extremely alarming levels of hunger. The region with the highest rate of hunger is south Asia but the situation is serious in sub-Saharan Africa as well. With such a nutritious and available crop as the potato being consumed at the highest rates ever and in more places than ever using the potato as a keystone of global food security is an incredible opportunity one not lost on the International Potato Center and should be appreciated by WPC attendees. However just producing more potatoes in places struggling with food security issues is not the answer. As we saw earlier this year in India excess potato supplies caused prices to nosedive and the bottom fall out of the potato market. Its clear to us at the International Potato Center that systems-based approaches are required. Depending upon the local poverty context potato interventions involving smallholders especially women can be aimed at improving productivity and support to subsistence farmers or expansion of markets and linking smallholders to modern food markets and contributing to increasing returns to labor and generating employment for the local rural populations. The potato is a spectacular crop. It fits into nearly every diet in the world and its nutritious. It grows almost everywhere with relative ease. Its not without its challenges and we need to continuously innovate with potato technologies and advances in science to overcome them. However if we are deliberate in what we do continue to innovate like we must and focus on systems approaches to global food security issues then I believe that the potato can be a significant contributor towards feeding the nine billion people that we expect to be living on our planet in 2050. I hope that youll join us in this effort. BARBARA H. WELLS Director General International Potato Center JOHN BAREMAN Chair Canadian Potato Council SPUDSMART.COM INTERNATIONAL EDITION 20156 The New Staple Food in China. China is already the worlds top producer of potatoes. With a move to substantially increase domestic consumption its poised to produce even more.BY MARK HALSALL AND MARC ZIENKIEWICZ RICE wheat and maize are considered the three main staple foods in the Peoples Republic of China. If all goes according to plan there will soon be a new food on that list the potato. In January China announced plans to significantly ramp up potato production in the country as well as domestic consumption. In an interview published on the Chinese government website in January Pan Wenbo deputy director-general of Chinas Ministry of Agriculture indicated the push to promote the potato was based on three points 1 To meet demand for healthy and nutritious food in China 2 To meet the requirement for structural optimization and resource development in the countrys agricultural sector i.e. potato production as a means to promote water conservation in the northeast China and as a way to better utilize cultivated fields in southern China in the winter 3 To conform with the faster pace of modern Chinese lifestyles and associated food habits Another key factor behind the push to make potato a staple food in China is the governments belief that potatoes represent food security for the nation of 1.3 billion people. With our limited land and water resources the potatos higher-yielding drought- and cold-resistant traits make it an ideal crop says Yan Feng division director Agricultural Trade Promotion Center Chinese Ministry of Agriculture. Feng adds that the potato helps alleviate poverty in China by boosting farmer incomes. In the past two decades since the rapid development of the potato industry in some of the poorer regions of China many Peter VanderZaag left and Professor Li Canhui discuss the large number of new varieties that are kept in virus-free tissue culture at Yunnan Normal University in Kunming China. All of these varieties have been bred and selected from germplasm received from the International Potato Center over the past 30 years. PHOTO PETER VANDERZAAG. 7INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2015 SPUDSMART.COM potato farmers have risen out of poverty and the potato industry has become the backbone of those communities she says. According to Feng potatoes are already the fourth most popular food after rice wheat and maize in China the worlds leading producer of potatoes. With this initiative the potato is positioned to become even more important to the Chinese economy. According to Chinese government statistics the nations total planting area for potatoes in 2013 was 5.61 million hectares 13.86 million acres while Chinas total potato production in 2013 was 95.94 million tons. The country plans to double the size of its potato production area as part of its potato as a staple strategy. There are over 50 million jobs in Chinas potato industry. This shows how significant the industry is to local economies and Chinese society says Feng. Feng says the potatos future in China is shaping up to be even brighter. The market for potato consumption has great potential in China. In the last five years potato consumption increased by 40 per cent making China one of the countries with the most rapid growth in potato consumption. TIMES HAVE CHANGED Things werent always this way though. Peter VanderZaag a prominent Canadian potato grower and scientist and a special advisor for World Potato Congress has first-hand knowledge of just how far the potato has come in China since the 1980s. VanderZaag has a stellar reputation in international potato circles spending much time abroad helping countries like China develop their potato industry. As a member of the International Potato Center CIP VanderZaag began working to help grow the Chinese potato industry in 1985. In the three decades since then China has made tremendous strides. Potato production in China has increased six-fold in China over the last 30 years VanderZaag says. When VanderZaag arrived to lead CIP in its effort to build a research centre in China things were beginning to change. He cites a number of factors that were coming There are over 50 million jobs in Chinas potato industry. This shows how significant the industry is to local economies and Chinese society. YAN FENG together at that time to usher in a new era for the potato in the country. It was around then that the Chinese government decided to disband the agricultural co-operatives model that dominated the countrys agriculture industry. Farmers were allowed to operate individual farms free of the rigid structures that governed the co-operatives. That allowed farmers to do as they felt like to run their farms the way each individual farmer wanted to. They soon figured out their own way of farming was much more efficient. Vegetable production increased because they could figure out the most effective way to utilize their own land VanderZaag says. They were no longer controlled by a central governing unit that demanded they produce so many tons of grain equivalent per area. That was wiped clear. The Chinese began to produce more potatoes which grow generally very well there in a variety of different locales in both mountainous areas and at lower altitudes. It was around this time that CIP began its development efforts in China helping to change the perception of the potato in the Peoples Republic. At the time the potato was not sexy. CIP came and opened its office and we made it attractive by offering scholarships training courses new germplasm. We really raised the profile of potatoes and that had a huge impact VanderZaag says. Boosting the potato in China may have been the goal of CIP but the mission wouldnt be successful unless the countrys farmers were given access to new POTATO AS STAPLE ON WPC AGENDA The development of the potato as a food staple is among the topics to be discussed at the 2015 World Potato Congress. A number of prominent Chinese officials are delivering presentations including Yu Xinrong vice minister of the Ministry of Agriculture speaking on the Policy and Strategy for the Development of Chinas Potato Industry and Potato as Staple Food. Another keynote speech by Qu Dongyu chairman of the Potato Association of China is on Strategy Opportunities and Challenges of Potato as Staple Food in Global Chain Context. Other speakers include Romain Cools secretary-general of Belgapom the Belgium potato trade and processing industry association talking about the evolution of staple potato products in Europe Wachira Kaguongo of the National Potato Council of Kenya speaking about the role of potato in African staple foods and Oscar Ortiz deputy director-general of the International Potato Center talking about the staple food use of Peruvian potatoes. Large-scale potato production in the Chinese province of Inner Mongolia. PHOTO AGRICULTURAL TRADE PROMOTION CENTER CHINESE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE. SPUDSMART.COM INTERNATIONAL EDITION 20158 germplasm says VanderZaag. Thats because potato germplasm in China back then was problematic. One variety we developed there was called Co-operation 88 C88. Thats an example of a variety brought in thats now one of the largest- producing varieties in the world VanderZaag says. C88 is a high-yielding potato cultivar with good resistance to late blight. Its also used by the potato chip industry. Up until 1985 China was basically working with Eastern European potato varieties that were ill-adapted and not very good eating quality. When CIP introduced new germplasm that helped give the potato a new lease on life notes VanderZaag. C88 was successful not just because it has virus resistance and good eating quality but because the Chinese developed a seed program that got a lot of healthy seed out quickly. GOING FORWARD CIPs efforts to help mentor a new generation of potato growers and scientists has ensured that the industry keeps coming up with innovative ways to increase potato production in China. Many of todays industry leaders in China we helped train back in the 80s when they were young. Theyve become very influential in the Chinese potato industry VanderZaag says. There are challenges ahead though. One major hurdle the industry is working at clearing is finding more processing opportunities for potatoes. Feng notes that only around 10 per cent of the potatoes grown in China are processed primarily for starch. The majority of the current varieties found in China are mainly for fresh consumption she says. The varieties for different processing needs are in high demand. One of the biggest constraints right now for the potato industry in China VanderZaag notes is developing appropriate varieties for french fries. The varieties brought in from North America generally dont do well in China he says. Russet In a remote Muslim settlement of Yunnan China village women prepare potatoes for shipping to large city markets. PHOTO PETER VANDERZAAG. 9INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2015 SPUDSMART.COM Aeroponically grown seed potatoes being harvested at Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Chengdu China. PHOTO PETER VANDERZAAG. Please visit www.greentronics.comsavings or contact us for details at 519-669-4698 Track Inventory and Truck Loads with the RiteWeight Digital Conveyor Scale system Great time saver very affordable easy to run- Paul Sowinski Sowinski Farms Bertrand MO Contact us now and save up to 10 Weigh any product on-the-y using your own conveyor Fits nearly all conveyor types and styles Display and Save data for Bins and loads Saves time get the load weight right the rst time Works on tilting conveyors with the optional Tilt Compensation Module Burbank is too late-maturing. Shepody is too susceptible to late blight. They have all kinds of headaches with that. There are also concerns surrounding future generations of potato farmers VanderZaag adds. Many are finding that the next generation doesnt want to farm. In western China its a problem where a lot of farming is still done by hand. The young people are going to the city and getting jobs in office buildings rather than working in fields he says. Still VanderZaag says the Chinese have a strong track record of overcoming obstacles due in no small part to the countrys political structure. China has gone from a communist country to a communist country with capitalism. There are many anomalies in that process because capitalism in China is not the same as it is in North America he says. The Chinese system of capitalism works in a very different and unique way. The government has subsidized half a billion dollars on seed potato production. Its fantastic as far as potatoes are concerned. According to Feng the Chinese government has introduced several economic policies to highlight the importance of the potato as a main crop for food security in China. Not surprisingly Asias economic juggernaut views the World Potato Congress as an excellent opportunity for its potato industry to put its best foot forward and network with others from around the world to further advance the potato in China. The future development of Chinas potato industry still needs the attention and participation of international friends she says. VanderZaag agrees. But he firmly believes the nation is extremely resourceful and will undoubtedly find a way to clear whatever hurdles its potato industry needs to get over. The future of the potato in China is very bright he says. SPUDSMART.COM INTERNATIONAL EDITION 201510 THE ANDEAN region of Latin America has long been regarded as one of the most fertile and productive areas in the world when it comes to potato cultivation. The area is home to more than 4000 varieties of native potatoes some of which have existed since the time of the Incas. However there is growing concern that this tuber biodiversity could be at risk as a result of several factors including the growth of urban centres climate change and farmers leaving the industry for more lucrative pursuits. Protecting Potatos Heritage Climate change and disease could put tuber biodiversity at risk in Latin America the birthplace of the potato. The International Potato Center in Peru is taking steps to try to ensure that doesnt happen and its research teams are also busy in Asia and other parts of world to enhance potato production and provide more choices for farmers. BY JIM TIMLICK It was this concern about the potatos future in the region that prompted the International Potato Center CIP to prioritize biodiversity conservation and use right from the beginning of its existence in the 1970s. In the last decade CIP has undertaken a project known as Potato Biodiversity Conservation and Use for Markets in Latin America. The aim of the project is three-fold to protect potato biodiversity through genetic research to promote new uses for native varieties and increase demand for them and produce new streams of revenue for growers. Oscar Ortiz deputy director general for research and development for the Lima Peru-based CIP says there is a very real possibility some of these varieties could disappear if something isnt done to protect them both in the field and in the marketplace. Absolutely its very real Ortiz says. With the concentration of climate change and the effects in the Andes its increasing the vulnerability of these native varieties because temperatures are increasing in the Andes which will mean that a number of diseases and insects that were not present in the past now will be. Women sowing potatoes in Chimborazo Ecuador. 11INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2015 SPUDSMART.COM Work on the project began about five years ago and most of the research has been centred in Bolivia Ecuador and Peru. Those three countries were chosen for study because they have the highest concentration of potato fields in the Andes as well as some of the highest levels of poverty in the region. IDENTIFYING NEW USES Andre Devaux CIPs regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean says finding new uses for some of these centuries-old varieties is a key part of the projects mandate. Developing new products will increase demand for these varieties increase profits for small-scale farmers and ensure these varieties dont disappear from fields. CIP partnered with several public agencies and non-governmental organizations to determine why consumption of many of these native varieties has declined and identify what types of new products might be of interest to consumers and businesses. Devaux says one of the first ideas to emerge from this participatory market chain approach was to use native varieties in potato chips and other snack products. The first products to be developed were small bags of potato chips featuring blue red yellow and purple chips. They were initially sold only in duty-free shops at Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima and were an instant hit with travellers looking to take home a souvenir. It wasnt long before several other smaller companies began manufacturing them which caught the attention of several bigger companies As part of the projects efforts to increase markets for native varieties CIP and its partner agencies worked to convince restaurants to offer some of these high-quality spuds on their menus. It worked. Currently in most Peruvian restaurants here in Lima youll find native potatoes now that are kind of an exotic product that have helped to connect consumers with these varieties says Ortiz. Ortiz attributes the increased popularity of native potatoes in part to the public education efforts of CIP and its partners to increase public awareness. Many varieties had simply become forgotten as more and more people had moved from rural communities to large urban centres where many of those varieties were not readily available. A potato stall at an Ecuadorian market. Girl at a potato storehouse in Guaranda Ecuador. The only real downside to this increased demand is the challenge of ensuring there is sufficient supply for processors. CIP is already looking at ways of addressing any bottlenecks in production including ways of producing more seed for the more popular varieties according to Ortiz. The challenge of course is to replicate it sufficiently in different parts of Peru Bolivia and Ecuador so that we can have an impact in terms of farmers conserving those varieties and planting those varieties and making profits off those varieties so that this can be sustainable over time he says. PHOTOS JEAN-LOUIS GONTERRE IN ASSOCIATION WITH INTERNATIONAL POTATO CENTER. OSCAR ORTIZ Temperatures are increasing in the Andes which will mean that a number of diseases and insects that were not present in the past now will be. SPUDSMART.COM INTERNATIONAL EDITION 201512 PROTECTING SMALLER GROWERS While ensuring there is sufficient supply is a top priority Devaux says part of CIPs mandate is to make sure that smaller growers continue to be part of the supply chain. It is still one of the main headaches he says of ensuring smaller growers arent squeezed out by much larger operations. The CIP team plans to study ways to strengthen the negotiating powers of small-scale growers so they can be more competitive with larger operations If you want to involve as much small- scale farmers as possible in this type of business you have to give a lot of support to them and technical assistance Devaux says. But in this case these potatoes grow better at higher altitudes. They have to be grown in the highlands. That gives an advantage to the smaller farmers. Devaux says recent analysis of the trends in Peruvian potato production indicate this CIP-supported initiative has stimulated demand for native and improved potatoes and has also contributed to the supply of new production technology. This is supported by the fact that many small farmers including those who cultivate native potatoes have benefited from the recent increases in potato production sales and farm-gate prices. SEARCH FOR AGILE POTATO CIP is also very active in Asia where rice has been the dominant crop for centuries. Its estimated that more than 90 per cent of the worlds rice supply is produced in the region and it occupies more land there than any other single crop. A team of CIP researchers recently began work on a program that it hopes will provide more and better planting choices for growers in Asia while enhancing farm incomes and food security. The research is part of CIPs new strategic program oriented to enhance food security in Asia through crop diversification. A primary focus for CIP researchers is what has been dubbed the agile potato a short-season variety that could be ready for harvesting within 70 days of planting and could be grown between rice crops in lowland areas. While some short-season varieties are already available in the region they are very susceptible to biotic and abiotic stresses that make it not worthwhile for most farmers to grow them. Greg Forbes CIPs agile potato program leader for Asia says the ultimate aim of the diversification initiative is to develop new high- quality varieties that can be grown in a shorter period of time and are more stress-resistant. Its not like there arent already some potatoes there that have very short seasons. There are. But they arent really optimal right now for farmers in this area Forbes says. That causes problems it increases the cost it lowers the profitability for potato and it creates dependencies on things like seed importations. The diversification program is still relatively new with research having begun just a few years ago. Much of the focus has been in China India and Bangladesh three countries where potato consumption rates are at or above world averages. Research is also being conducted in other nations such as Vietnam and Myanmar. In some areas of Asia rice and potatoes have been grown in the same fields for decades. Because the fields are kept artificially inundated during the rice-growing season there is already sufficient moisture in the soil when it comes time to plant seed potatoes. And since average temperatures in lowland areas usually range between 5 C and 15 C during cooler seasons its ideal for growing potatoes. STRONGER RESISTANCE Forbes says one of the key areas CIP researchers are focusing on is developing stronger resistance to some of the major stressors in the Asian region. In India and Bangladesh for example many existing varieties are particularly susceptible to disease and viruses such as late blight. The problem with that is it forces growers in those countries to be far more reliant on imported seed and excessive pesticide use. Forbes says the hope is that CIPs research will lead to growers in the region being able to develop at least some of their own seed potatoes while reducing their reliance on pesticides. Another challenge the researchers are dealing with is high salinity levels in many fields. While potatoes can A potato saleswoman left peddles her wares in Riobamba Ecuador. PHOTO JEAN-LOUIS GONTERRE IN ASSOCIATION WITH INTERNATIONAL POTATO CENTER. ANDRE DEVAUX If you want to involve as much small-scale farmers as possible in this type of business you have to give a lot of support to them and technical assistance. 13INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2015 SPUDSMART.COM Greg Forbes is leading the International Potato Research Centers agile potato diversification initiative in Asia. He says the goal is to develop new high-quality varieties that can be grown in a shorter period of time and are more stress-resistant. PHOTO INTERNATIONAL POTATO CENTER. potentially grow in these areas existing varieties dont do well in them according to Forbes. Forbes says CIP plans to take an integrated approach with its Asian projects in an effort to maximize resources. Part of being more strategic about it is if something works really well we can have a network in place to try and move it somewhere else quickly rather than having more independent projects around the region he says. CIP TO INTENSIFY EFFORTS CIPs results to date in Asia could be just the start of things to come. Ortiz says Asia is one of his organizations strategic geographical targets for the next decade and it plans to intensify its activities in the Asian region. If the project is ultimately successful it could go a long way in providing greater food security in Asias more impoverished regions Ortiz notes. By diversifying there is the possibility of making those countries less dependent and farmers less dependent on rice and cereals in general. We are not going to change the cereal-based system in Asia. They are going to continue with rice or wheat. But we want to introduce and intensify in a sustainable way another crop that provides additional income and food on the same available land. SPUDSMART.COM INTERNATIONAL EDITION 201514 A Bright Future Potatoes are emerging as a staple crop in areas of East Africa and are offering farmers in the region a promising and increasingly profitable alternative to grain crops. BY MARK HALSALL AND JULIENNE ISAACS ANN MBUGUA is a ware potato grower in East Africa who for a long time had struggled to find somewhere to buy high-quality potato seed near her farm in the Kenyan village of Muchorwe. Things turned around a few years ago when she attended a seminar on potato seed and immediately saw the potential for building her own profitable seed potato operation. Anns decision to start a seed potato business made a world of difference on her farm. Together with her husband Simon Mbugua she now grows 30 acres of certified Irish potato seed that is increasingly in demand within Kenya by non-governmental organizations farmer groups and individual farmers in her region. Varieties they grow include Kenya Mpya Sherehekea Kenya Karibu Purple Gold and New Sangi a Kenyan Agricultural Research Institute variety. The future is bright as there is demand for certified and clean potato seed says Anns daughter Rosemary Mbugua who is currently completing a Masters in Agriculture and Applied Economics at Egerton University the premier agricultural university in Kenya. The business is growing as more and more farmers are becoming aware of the need to use good quality seeds. Most of them buy after their harvest does well. Rosemary does small-scale ware potato production in addition to her studies and also helps out her parents with business advice. She believes the market for potato seed will continue to expand. Farmers are now very knowledgeable on the importance of using certified seed and the Government of Kenya recognizes the importance and potential of potatoes she says and there have been campaigns to increase food production and increase sustainability which is in line with Kenyas Vision 2030. Vision 2030 is Kenyas stated goal to create a globally competitive and prosperous nation with a high quality of life by 2030. Peter VanderZaag is a prominent Canadian potato scientist and grower whos also a board member at the International Potato Center CIP and a member of the International Advisory Committee of the World Potato Congress. He says potatoes are becoming an increasingly important food crop in Kenya which currently grows close to 400000 acres of potatoes. VanderZaag has plenty of first-hand experience with potato cultivation in Africa at one time he was employed by CIP in Central Africa. He visited East Africa for several weeks in 2013 attending the African Potato Association conference in Kenya and also touring operations in Ethiopia and Kenya where Canadian Foodgrains Bank and CIP have ongoing projects. What I have to admire about all the highlands of East Africa from Ethiopia down to Malawi including Uganda Rwanda Burundi Tanzania and Kenya is that theyre all very self-sufficient potato-producing countries says VanderZaag. They dont import much seed. The varieties are uniquely adapted to their environment with heavy Potato farmer surveying her flowering field in Ethopia. PHOTO INTERNATIONAL POTATO CENTER. Meridian Archwall Storage Groundbreaking Storage Solutions Not all buildings are created equal Watch our videos online www.meridianmfg.comvideos Find your nearest dealer at meridianmfg.comdealerlocator 2015 Meridian Manufacturing Inc. Registered Trademarks used under License. meridianmfg.com Revolutionary Methods Anchored to the foundation using a die-formed footing channel Meridians Archwall system is the most practical method available on the market today. It makes future expansion simple and allows for the use of larger wall and roof panels while still maintaining a watertight seam for maintenance-free performance. More Control Ventilation is the most important factor for maintaining the correct temperature relative humidity and air quality in storage. Our Archwall storage is insulated and sealed allowing you to maintain the environment needed for long-term product storage. Long Lasting Perspectra Series prepainted roof panels and prepainted wall panels come with a 40 year warranty. To learn more email archwallmeridianmfg.com SPUDSMART.COM INTERNATIONAL EDITION 201516 late blight pressure so therefore they have their own system with their own seed and varieties. Theyre primarily landlocked countries. It would be unfeasible to try to import seed. While in Kenya VanderZaag stopped by Mbuguas operation and was impressed by the dynamism of both the business and Mbuguas approach to it. Its energy like this he says that makes the future bright for potato cultivation in Kenya. FOOD SECURITY IN ETHIOPIA In Ethiopia the potato is also growing in importance as a staple crop. Historically the chief crop across the country has been Eragrostis tef or teff a species of lovegrass native to the Ethiopian highlands. But according to VanderZaag there isnt enough teff produced nationally to feed the Ethiopian population. According to VanderZaag If you do the math with teff they get less than a tonne of dry matter per hectare that would be equivalent to a harvest of five tonnes of potatoes per hectare. You easily double and even triple production of food per hectare with potatoes. Potatoes are easy to prepare he adds.Teff takes a lot of threshing and storing so the economics and even the production of dry matter of food and quality carbohydrate and protein is much better for potato than from teff. According to VanderZaag theres been a shift to more potato production in Ethiopia over the last 20 to 30 years. Potato is becoming a secondary staple food for most of the rural poor in the highland areas of Ethiopia. Everything to the west of Addis Ababa is highlands and its very good for potatoes he says. The Canadian Foodgrains Bank plays an important Food Security role in Ethiopia in part by helping to restore badly eroding landscapes through terracing and erosion prevention measures ensuring that the poor farmers have adequate productive acreage to have enough to eat while CIP is working on increasing awareness of the importance of seed quality and improved varieties. Presently there isnt a great deal of crop diversification on display in Ethiopia which has a predominantly pastoral society where animals are very important. Cattle are kept in the valleys while primarily teff is grown on the hills and potatoes and other vegetable crops are grown in small garden patches near homes partly to protect them from theft. In the long term VanderZaag believes potato cultivation will increase on the rocky hills but it will require improved crop inputs such as fertilizer. The biggest hurdle facing Ethiopian potato growers however is the same challenge faced by Ann Mbugua in Kenya access to high-quality disease-free seed. CIP is focusing on developing strategies to help East African farmers in this respect. Successful potato farming starts with healthy seed potatoes however farmers in Africa rarely have access to high quality seed potato. The traditional highly centralized and inefficient public seed multiplication systems have failed to provide sufficient and affordable planting material to small holder farmers says Elmar Schulte-Geldermann leader of CIPs Seed Potato for Africa program. It is the link to the decentralized seed multipliers farmers like the Ann Mbugua Sammy Sang and Christine Nashuru in Kenya and the Jeldu and Chenca seed potato co-operatives in Ethiopia only to mention a few who have taken on serious seed production and make the difference towards sustainable seed quality improvement at local and eventually national levels. For countries as Ethiopia and Kenya partnerships with international groups such as CIP and Canadian Foodgrains Bank will continue to be important but these really exist as a support to the innovation and resilience that already thrives in East Africa. Potatoes being sold along a roadside in Kenya. PHOTO PETER VANDERZAAG. SPUDSMART.COM INTERNATIONAL EDITION 201518 Growing Potatoes in Argentina Some Canadian and American growers and McCain Foods executives travelled to the South American country to get a first-hand look at its flourishing potato industry. What did they learn BY MARK HALSALL IN TERMS of distance travelled it certainly wasnt your typical field trip a round trip of some 20000 kilometres to the opposite end of the globe. Thats how far a group of 16 Canadian and American growers journeyed to observe how they grow processing potatoes in Argentina. The growers 10 from the province of New Brunswick in Canada and six from the state of Maine in the United States were accompanied by three Canadian and American executives from McCain Foods as they toured Argentinean potato farming and production facilities this past January. The week-long visit took place in the Balcarce region of Argentina the main processing potato growing area of the country thats a five-hour drive or so southeast of Buenos Aires. The group visited farms that supply potatoes for the McCain Argentina plant which produces french fries largely destined for export to Brazil. Finding a location where potatoes are grown in January was one of the reasons for the South American destination. According to Yves Leclerc McCains director of agronomy for North America another compelling reason to visit Argentina was the interesting dynamic that characterizes potato production in that country. MERGED INFLUENCES Theyve got a strong influence from Europe but they also have an influence from North America so you see an area that has kind of merged the two influences in terms of technologies and also varieties and cultural practices says Leclerc who took part in the trip. Joe Brennan a former chair of the both Potatoes New Brunswick and the Canadian Potato Council also participated in the tour and spoke about it at a Canadian growers meeting in Manitoba Canada just after the trip. Brennan talked about Argentinas huge land base for producing potatoes and the good growing conditions in the country where yields are typically in the 500 hundredweight per acre range. The plant stands there were amazing. The cover on the fields was very even and emergence seems to be a lot tighter there and more consistent than ours Brennan said. Brennan commented that what really struck the North American growers was what their Argentinean counterparts are doing on the seed side. I think they are ahead of us on that he noted. Theyre really focused on getting the best quality seed and theyre really doing it well. That focus on the seed is a lesson that we have to keep in mind. Argentinean grower surveying his crop at El Parque Pampas a thriving potato business in the Balcarce region of Argentina. PHOTO EL PARQUE PAPAS. INNOVATING TO FEED THE WORLD. Welcome to The Global Collaboratory. Visit foodsecurity.dupont.com to learn more. Reproduced by E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company under license from the National Geographic Society. Copyright 2014 DuPont. The DuPont Oval Logo DuPont and all products denoted with or are trademarks or registered trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates. All rights reserved. 14-2065 INNOVATING TO FEED THE WORLD. Welcome to The Global Collaboratory. Visit foodsecurity.dupont.com to learn more. Reproduced by E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company under license from the National Geographic Society. Copyright 2014 DuPont. The DuPont Oval Logo DuPont and all products denoted with or are trademarks or registered trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates. All rights reserved. 14-2065 SPUDSMART.COM INTERNATIONAL EDITION 201520 Shawn Paget a grower in Simons New Brunswick and the current chairman of Potatoes New Brunswick says he learned a lot from the trip. There are a lot of techniques that theyre doing that are different and I think could help us improve on some of our crops. Paget agrees that the importance of high quality seed was a key takeaway from the trip. Part of that message he says is ensuring good seed profiles smaller and more uniformly sized and proper seed maturity since adequately aged seed results in more vigorous plants and consistent plant stands coming out of the ground. According to Paget Argentinean seed potatoes generally have very low virus levels. Growers there generally plant a lot more whole seed than cut seed he says and they also take great care to minimize bruising he says. I think thats an area we really have to work on. How to handle and condition that seed so we have perfect stuff going into the ground Paget adds. For my own practice Im going to look for seed that is a smaller profile maybe not all whole seed but a smaller seed profile. That and a mature seed crop that goes back to having a higher specific gravity and making sure that potato is physiologically aged. Thats basically what Im going to be looking for as a process grower. Matt Griffeth a processing potato farmer in Limestone Maine was one of the American producers on the trip. One thing he observed was that there appeared to be more earlier generation seed being used by Argentinean growers. Theyreplantingseedthatsatleastonefield-year generationsometimestwofieldgenerationsearlierthanwe areGriffethsayscitingincreasedplantvigourandless exposuretopotatodiseasesasbenefitsofthispractice. I agree 100 per cent with their use of earlier generation of seed. I think theres a lot of potential in our area for that. PLENTIFUL LAND For Griffeth another thing that stood from the trip was the abundance of land in Argentina. Theres just so much potential for large-scale production agriculture in that country he says. Paget was similarly impressed pointing out that growers in Argentina have the luxury of being able to pick and choose the best land available for potato production. A lot of their ground down there is rented every year so theyre able to pick prime fields all the time whereas up here we dont have that option he says. Argentinean growers are even able to access virgin ground that has never grown potatoes before something unheard of in the long-established farming areas in Maine and New Brunswick. The potential here of extending our acres is just not there Griffeth says. I think we are pretty much utilizing all of our land and were getting the most out of it that we possibly can at this point. Because of all that land Argentinean growers also have the advantage of being able to utilize very long crop rotations as much as one year of potatoes in a seven or even eight year rotation in some instances. EQUIPMENT EDGE All this isnt to say there isnt an area or two where North America producers may have an edge according to the Canadian and American farmers on the trip. As far as their mechanical technology goes Id say theyre significantly behind us says Griffeth. Paget maintains Canadian producers are able to put their potatoes in the ground much more quickly. For one thing they dont have to deal with the infrastructure issues that can slow down the movement of seed stock and fertilizer products in Argentina. That was one thing we did notice. They only average eight to 12 hectares a day with a four-row planter and thats a good day for them. Whereas here were pounding the hectares in. I average Id say between 25 and 30 hectares a day Paget says. He adds Argentinean growers also struggle with more blight issues and insect problems. While some of the issues faced by growers in the different hemispheres are different he says there are similarities as well. For one thing the cost of production appeared to be similar for the Argentinean and North American farmers. Potatoes en route to the McCain Argentina processing plant. PHOTO MCCAIN FOODS. Theres just so much potential for large-scale production agriculture in that country. MATT GRIFFETH FACT In 2013 Argentina produced two million tonnes of potatoes on close to 172000 acres of land. Canada in comparison produced just over 4.6 million tonnes of potatoes on just over 351000 acres of land in 2013. SOURCE FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS. HUGE INVENTORY AT WHOLESALE PRICING. BACKED BY OUR SATISFACTION GUARANTEE. www.GALLANTSALES.com SPECIALIZING IN POTATO EQUIPMENT CONTACT DAVE AT GALLANT SALES 568 Bernat Rd. 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WE SHIP WE SHIP ANYWHERE NEWTri-SteelFeltDryer AnyLengthAnyWidth CustomBuilttomeetCustomerCapacity Double L 36 X 49ft Reconditioned Telescopic Piler Other Makes Sizes Available SPUDSMART.COM INTERNATIONAL EDITION 201522 It was great to intermingle with them and get their information and they asked us questions as well Paget says. When it all boiled down to it their margins are the same as ours so it was interesting to learn that. Paget notes that precision ag tools like satellite imagery and drone technology are also being used fairly extensively in Argentina. We saw two to three different growers using that he says. Id say theyre a little bit further ahead of us in the technology or maybe about the same. COMMITMENT TO GROWTH Leclerc maintains Argentinas forays into precision ag shows how the nation is committed to growing its processing potato industry which is still quite new by North American standards. A lot of work is being done on the use of satellite imagery and also using drone technology to better grow the crop and improve productivity he says. I think what well see in the next few years is a real focus on fertigation as well. Brennan also foresees good things in the future for growers in Argentina. Theyre doing a very good job there and are on the verge of doing a much better job he added. The potential is staggering. Potato yields in Argentina are typically in the 500 hundredweight per acre range. PHOTO MCCAIN FOODS. Please visit greentronics.comsavings or contact us for details at 519-669-4698 If you cant measure it you cant manage it. RiteYield - Yield Monitor for Vegetable Harvesters Collect and display yield data Quick calibration Tilt compensation option Adaptable Durable In-Line Conveyor Scale option Designed to work on all harvesters Easy to install and operate great yield maps- Jim Wilson Soil Essentials Angus UK. Heartland Farms Hancock WI. Pieper Farms LLCPieper Farms LLC Line Selected Top Quality SeedLine Selected Top Quality Seed www.pieperfarmsllc.com 218 783-6610 Lake of the Woods MN MN Certified Seed Grower for over 70 years All Seed Winter Tested - Readings Available Early Generation Seed Varieties Include Granola Chieftains Cal White Dark Red Norland Atlantic Yukon Gold Waneta Nicolet Red Norland Red LaSoda NY Gold Rush Jelly Runestone Gold and more. New Storage Warehouse New State of the Art Processing Facility SPUDSMART.COM INTERNATIONAL EDITION 201524 Late Blight Breakthrough A new major genetic discovery could have great potential for the global potato industry. BY MARC ZIENKIEWICZ THERE MAY be a new weapon in the fight against one of the worlds most devastating potato diseases late blight. Scientists from Wageningen University in the Netherlands and the Sainsbury Laboratory at Norwich Research Park in England say theyve identified a resistant gene that fights against new strains of the oomycete disease. The wild potato gene targets elicitin a pathogen protein that performs an important biological function. This make makes it less likely for the late blight pathogen to evolve and evade resistance. The scientists found that transferring ELR the elicitin resistance gene into cultivated potato made it more resistant to several strains of late blight opening up new possibilities for breeding a broad and durable resistance into various potato varieties increasing food security and reducing the use of fungicides. This is a new line of defense against potato blight says Sophien Kamoun research group leader at the Sainsbury Laboratory. Late blight disease is caused by Phytophthora infestans infamous for triggering the Irish potato famine in the 1800s. This widespread pathogen is still a major threat to crops and remains one of the biggest headaches for potato producers around the world. Caused by a fungus-like oomycete microbe late blight attacks both tubers and foliage and is a threat at every stage of production from field to storage. New strains of the late blight pathogen that are resistant to conventional fungicide treatments have been emerging in recent years in Canada for example the disease is spreading into parts of the country that were virtually blight-free until only a few years ago. The discovery is good news for Benoit Bizimungu potato breeder and gene resources curator forAgriculture and Agri-Food Canadas Potato Resource Centre in New Brunswick. This study represents a significant breakthrough he says. It may help us make even more progress in the fight against late blight. LENGTHY SEARCH This genetic breakthrough has been a long time coming. The international team of scientists began their gene research by focusing on proteins considered essential to P. infestans. According to Wageningen University researcher Vivianne Vleeshouwers the discovery has its roots in an old theory the so-called Achilles heel hypothesis. A problem of breeding for late blight resistance is that introduced resistance genes get quickly overcome by the late blight pathogen. This means that the pathogen can adapt by changing the Sophien Kamoun research group leader at the Sainsbury Laboratory at the United Kingdoms Norwich Research Park is part of a team that identified a gene that enhances resistance against late blight disease. PHOTO THE SAINSBURY LABORATORY. 2015 Lindsay. All rights reserved. Zimmatic FieldNET Growsmart Watertronics and LAKOS are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Lindsay Corporation and its subsidiaries. Separators and Filtration Solutions Separators and Filtration Solutions Separators and Filtration Solutions Separators and Filtration Solutions Separators and Filtration Solutions THE LINDSAY ADVANTAGE DUR ABLE RUGGED EASY TO USE INTEGR ATED TECHNOLOGIES BROADEST LINE OF SOLUTIONS SOLUTIONS THAT ADD VALUE REDUCE RISK INCREASE PROFITS. Lindsays rugged equipment integrated technologies and plug-and-play add-ons will make the most of your operation from a single reliable source. Pumps pivots ltration and remote control all work together to maximize your yields. Visit your local Zimmatic by Lindsay dealer to customize the right system for your needs. www.lindsayadvantage.com THE LINDSAY ADVANTAGE THE BEST LINE OF IRRIGATION SOLUTIONS. PERIOD. SPUDSMART.COM INTERNATIONAL EDITION 201526 protein that is recognized by the resistance gene in the potato. The Achilles heel theory says that if we target a protein that is essential to the pathogen then it is less likely that it will adapt she says. The approach we took is only recently possible thanks to availability of genome sequencing of phytophthora and an experimental approach effectoromics that we designed to be able to screen individual genes in a high- throughput fashion. Scientists found this essential protein in elicitin in the late 1980s initially due to work done by a research group working at the French National Institute for Agricultural Research. Many years of screening wild potatoes for elicitin resulted in its discovery in Solanum microdontum a South American wild relative of cultivated potatoes. ELR encodes a receptor-like protein in S. microdontum. Plants contain many of these cell surface receptors which act as a first line of immune defence much like an array of radar antennas. The receptors are tuned to different features of invading pathogens and in the case of this new type of blight-resistant potato the simultaneous presence of elicitin and the gene that responds to it triggers cell death at the site of infection. Its this powerful plant defense mechanism that restricts the progress of the late blight pathogen. There are two classes of immunity receptors in plants. One class functions inside the plant cell and the other on the surface of the plant cell. In the past for potato blight weve only known about the receptors that work inside the plant cell. This is the first report of a cell surface type of immune receptor against the blight Kamoun says. For resistance to be deemed durable it needs to hold over time but looking at this research the new gene is really broad-based. It is expected to offer more durable resistance in theory Bizimungu says. The knowledge were getting at the micro-level through genomics research is having a big impact on how we can combat late blight. Canadian research played a role in the discovery. Researchers in England and the Netherlands drew upon the work of Lawrence Kawchuk an AAFC research scientist based in Alberta. In 2001 he isolated one of the first plant disease receptors for verticillium wilt resistance which helps to prevent early dying in potato plants. NEW LAYER OF IMMUNITY For potato growers the late blight breakthrough is significant because it may help circumvent the pathogens major strength its ability to evolve and create new versions of itself that overcome resistance that have been bred into potatoes. I think this new layer of immunity has big potential for control of late blight on a world scale. The research is still in the experimental phase and is not strong enough yet to apply in practice. We need more research to find out how we can further enhance it and we need to find more of these genes to combine them together Vleeshouwers says. Kamoun adds that by combining different types of disease resistance we maximize our chances to delay the evolution of new races of Phytophthora infestans. According to Bizimungu the discovery holds a lot of potential for research in Canada as S. microdontum germplasm is accessible to researchers through the U.S. Department of Agriculture gene bank. He notes the elicitin resistance gene could potentially be used to conventionally breed new varieties of potatoes with stronger and long-lasting resistance to the late blight pathogen. Kamoun believes genetic modification represents the most efficient route for commercializing new blight-resistant varieties developed through elicitin resistance technique. At this stage the shortest route to deploy this resistance in the field is through a GM transgenic approach Kamoun says. It all depends on the acceptance of this technology and the willingness to invest in the cost of deregulation. The knowledge were getting at the micro-level through genomics research is having a big impact on how we can combat late blight. BENOIT BIZIMUNGU VIVIANNE VLEESHOUWERS I think this new layer of immunity has big potential for control of late blight on a world scale. The sporangia of Phytophthora infestans the pathogen responsible for late blight disease. PHOTO LAWRENCE KAWCHUK AAFC For all your packaging needs call us at 1-519-863-5782 AgricultureIndustrial Packaging Fruit and Vegetable Containers Biodegradable Shopping Bags Plastic Palletwrap Net Wrap Meshbags for CornOnionsFirewood Cardboard Boxes Waxed Paper Bags for Potatoes Wood Bushel and Baskets Plastic Trays ClumshellsPunetrays Fibre Trays 12pt and 1pt Bulk Bags Cardboard Bins NNZ Inc. Canada 135 Main Street West Norwich ON email adejongennz.ca SPUDSMART.COM INTERNATIONAL EDITION 201528 Crafting a Great Brand Canadas Covered Bridge Potato Chip Company is using its keen marketing prowess to promote its products and its getting noticed in the countrys national media. BY MARC ZIENKIEWICZ THE CANADIAN potato chip industry is a big business with Research and Markets pegging its value at an impressive 1.6 billion by the close of 2016. Its also highly competitive with a plethora of well-known brands crowding stores and established players dominating shelf space capturing the attention of consumers certainly isnt easy. Ryan Albright knew he had his work cut out for him when he co-founded the Covered Bridge Potato Chip Company almost 10 years ago. Based in Hartland New Brunswick in Canadas Atlantic region the family-run start-up had some major industry players to differentiate itself from including Canadian potato chip giant Old Dutch which also operates a potato chip factory in Hartland. The question was how to carve a niche for itself. Theres no guarantee. You dont know what consumer response will be. We did tests in a deep fryer at home slicing the potatoes by hand Albright says. You put everything into it as you go. Covered Bridge Potato Chip Company makes old- fashioned kettle-cooked chips and employs around 95 people at its processing plant. It gets its name from Hartlands most popular tourist attraction the longest covered bridge in the world thats 291 metres in length. It brings thousands of tourists to the small community of 1000 people each year. MARKETING SYMBOL The covered bridge concept has turned into a successful marketing symbol for the company allowing it to set itself apart from other brands of potato chips on the shelf and recently attracting the attention of Rick Mercer one of Canadas best-known television personalities. The familys history with potatoes goes back a long way. Albright Farms is a family-owned fourth generation company that started in the early 1920s when the family farmed potatoes. Ryan and his brother Matthew now own the family farming business and theyre also partners in Covered Bridge Potato Chips. The potato chip company got its start when Ryan Albright now company president and CEO at only 34 years old formed a brokerage company in 2004 and found himself selling potatoes to others who went and turned them into potato chips. He wanted to do more than just sell potatoes to other chipmakers though and in 2006 Albright formed the Covered Bridge Potato Chip Company. The first bag of Covered Bridge chips rolled off the line in January 2009. The vision behind the company was to make tasty kettle-cooked potato chips and create a unique brand that would capture consumer interest. Tying this concept with the Hartlands historic covered bridge seemed like a no-brainer. Canadian potato grower Ryan Albright co-founded the Cover Bridge Potato Chip Company in 2006. PHOTO COVERED BRIDGE POTATO CHIP COMPANY. 29INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2015 SPUDSMART.COM They started with an idea and its turned out to be a great tourist attraction as well as a thriving industry for the area. CRAIG MELANSON We realized there was a real opportunity with the covered bridge and all the tourists who come to see it every year Albright says. Around 100000 people and scores of tour buses come in the summer to see the bridge. That made a good starting point Albright thought. We knew we could try and capture that market to help in the branding and it worked he says noting that about 200 tour buses stop by the Covered Bridge chip factory each year. The bridge means more to the company than just a namesake though. Tourists are welcome to take a self- guided tour of the facility no appointment necessary. Theyre provided with interesting facts about potatoes potato chips and agriculture in New Brunswick while getting to see how the chips are made. At the end of the tour visitors receive a hot bag of chips fresh off the line and get their choice of 35 different flavour seasonings to sprinkle on their chips something thats hugely popular with tourists according to Alison Aiton travel media representative for Tourism New Brunswick. People seem to really like that part she says. Among the number of tourists who come every year is a large contingent of visitors from Asia which inspired one of the companys most popular and sought-after potato chip products lobster- flavoured chips which are sold only during lobster season from May to September. Fish and lobster flavour is a cultural mainstay in Asia and when visitors from Asia come through the Maritimes they expect lobster. Theyre always buying lobster key chains and things like that Albright says. Originally the lobster chips were put into a plain silver bag and sold in the companys gift shop. The flavour soon caught on. We started selling them to other places in New Brunswick then we developed an actual bag for it. Now we sell it across Canada. Its been a big hit Albright says. The companys decision to use russet potatoes also adds to the products uniqueness he adds since potato chips are traditionally made with white potatoes. When you eat any fast food chains french fries theyre made from russets. Its a whole different flavour profile he says but notes using russets requires the company to communicate with their customers and let them know why Covered Bridge potato chips are darker than other brands. We have to educate the public that the chips arent burned. Theyre darker in colour because of the higher sugar content in the potatoes Albright says. Covered Bridge chips are all natural with no artificial colours or preservatives and no trans fat or cholesterol. The chips are also billed as gluten-free to capture the emerging market for gluten-free alternatives. Potato chip seasonings often contain gluten Albright explains but the seasonings used on Covered Bridge chips are carefully made so as to contain zero gluten. We were the second certified gluten-free chip in North America when we started he says adding that the chip factory is also kosher certified. Covered Bridge Potato Chip Company also markets sweet potato chips. Were the only company in Canada that makes sweet potato chips and the third company in North America to make them. Theyre tricky to make and thats why a lot of companies dont bother with them Albright says. It took us a long time to learn how to cook them right. Craig Melanson Hartlands mayor says Covered Bridge Chips has helped keep Hartland on the map as a Canadian potato chip mecca. The community is really proud of the work theyve done in getting the plant up and running. They started with an idea and its turned out to be a great tourist attraction as well as a thriving industry for the area he says. Hartland is celebrating its 100th birthday in two years and our history of the potato goes back a long long way when our forefathers were marketing seed potatoes down in South America at the turn of the 20th century. Theres a good history there. The people running the Covered Bridge plant their history goes back that far as well from marketing to growing to being a part of the potato chip supply chain to making their own potato chips now. Its a great success story. That success is what led to the companys appearance earlier this year on The Rick Mercer Report on CBC television in Canada. Albright and company staff appeared on camera with Mercer who took a tour of the plant tasted some freshly-made chips mingled with staff and cracked wise about trying to fit a large sack of Covered Bridge potato chips into the airport baggage gauge on the way home. Weve been on news segments but never on a major TV show Albright says. Im used to being in front of a camera. Ricks a great guy on and off the camera. Hes very funny. In fact I was coming home from Toronto the other night and someone on the plane had actually been at the airport that day when Rick was trying to take the sack of chips onto the plane as carry- on luggage. Hartland New Brunswicks iconic covered bridge. PHOTO GOVERNMENT OF NEW BRUNSWICK. SPUDSMART.COM INTERNATIONAL EDITION 201530 With its product becoming more popular Covered Bridge Chips is expanding its line-up and facilities to keep up with demand and also enable the company to offer even more flavours. It recently launched sour cream and onion- flavoured chips complementing its line-up that includes mainstays like salt and vinegar and barbecue but also features more unique flavours like Montreal steak spice and thick-cut sea salt. The company has an active social media presence is developing a new website and has its own in- house marketing and design department. For more information on Covered Bridge Potato Chip Companys innovative marketing efforts visit coveredbridgechips.com. WHERE ON THE WEB We own our own route trucks in Atlantic Canada and we have an iPhone app designed specifically for us all invoicing is done on that and uploaded to our system here. That was a two- year project Albright says. The business just bought another warehouse and more office space and put in a 1800 square-foot company gym that is free for employees to use. We try to make working here a lifestyle and do what we can for our employees. Were in growth mode and trying to push the company forward into the future and focus on our brand and distribution Albright says. Covered Bridge chips getting processed on the production line. PHOTO COVERED BRIDGE POTATO CHIP COMPANY. Providing the Agriculture Industry with cost effective accurate timely inspection data. AG INSPECTIONS DONE RIGHT. AgInspections.com Potato News Delivered Directly To Your InboxGet comprehensive insights into the news and issues that affect the International potato industry. Subscribe NOW Audio Interviews Articles Analyzing Key Issues Trade Agreements Agronomic Insights and More Sign Up for Spudcast to Receive Receive the Spudcast e-newsletter bi-weekly delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe now at spudsmart.com SPUDSMART.COM INTERNATIONAL EDITION 20153232 SPUDSMART.COMSPUDSMART.COMSPUDSMART.COM INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2015INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2015INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2015INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2015INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2015INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2015SPUDSMART.COM Potato Facts and Figures 1 BILLION Number of people in world who eat potatoes 376 MILLION Metric tonnes of potatoes produced globally in 2013 0.09 INCREASE IN HARVESTED AREA of potatoes in world from 2003-2013 1.74 INCREASE IN GLOBAL POTATO CROP production from 2003-2013 4000 Number of edible varieties of native potato mostly found in Andes of South America DID YOU KNOW Potato is 3rd most important crop for human consumption after rice and wheat China Russia India and United States are the WORLDS TOP FOUR POTATO PRODUCERS PRODUCTION SHARE BY REGION average 1993-2013 Europe - 41.8 Asia - 39.7 Americas - 12.6 Africa - 5.3 Oceania - 0.5 WILD POTATO SPECIES are found from southwestern United States to southern Chile ALL INFORMATION COURTESY OF INTERNATIONAL POTATO CENTER CIP AND AGRICULTURAL ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS. BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF JEAN-LOUIS GONTERRE IN ASSOCIATION WITH CIP. The well-timed chain drive system on the 973 Harvester enable harvesting speeds of up to 3.5 mph 5.6 kph without sacrificing product handling. Double Ls patented ReturnFlow technology has increased harvesting efficiency by up to 20 percent simply by limiting stops between truck transitions. Double Ls harvesters perform at their peak when harvesting more than four rows of potatoes at once minimizing bruise with increased product flow. Doubleinfodoublelglobal.com