b'Ukrainian potato crop will be planted and what size acreage will be. Russian and Ukraine are the third and fourth largest producers of potatoes globally, and most Ukrainian fertilizer is supplied by Russia. Availability of fuel for planting has also been disrupted by the invasion. Ukraine is also one of the largest suppliers of sunflower oil to the European Union which is used in potato processing. This has processors scrambling to find alternatives such as canola and palm oil. Uncertainty Weighs on Canadian Potato PlansIn Canada, the rising production costs and uncertainty with the United States border for exports of Prince Edward IslandCedric Porter, editor of World Potato Markets Kevin MacIsaac, general manager of the potatoes is weighing on growers as theyUnited Potato Growers of Canadamake spring planting plans.This is certainly the most expensive crop that Ive ever seen to go and plantContract prices have risen in Europe by in the earth, Kevin MacIsaac, generalbetween 20 and 25 per cent, but they manager of the United Potato Growers of Canada, says during the Canadianwere agreed before the Russian invasion of Spud Congress session. Its being led byUkraine. We are getting growers going back fertilizer, and of course by fuel, anything thats used in the fuel process to create, orto processors to try and perhaps squeeze a manufacture is all seeing major increases. little bit more money out of the contracts. MacIsaac estimates Canadian potato production costs have risen by 20 to 30 CEDRIC PORTERper cent this year. He adds this estimate is before considering how the Russian invasion of Ukraine has influencedadditional potatoes. But I really thinkstable, adding that once trade issues are production costs globally.with the risks involved this year that thesesorted out it will make planting decisions Higher commodity prices for otherother crops are looking very attractive,easier.crops such as wheat and soybeans arehe says.also making them more attractive toMacIsaac does expect theres a needEditors note: On March 24, shortly after plant over high input potatoes, MacIsaacthough to increase Canadian potatothe Canadian Spud Congress markets explains. acreage to fill processing expansion needspresentation, the U.S. announced it would There is some opportunity there,and return to pre-pandemic demand. Hebe reopening the border to fresh potato where a lot of years the opportunity isexpects processing acreage to increase,exports from P.E.I.there, but growers still go back to plantingwhile chip and fresh acreage will be Rising Production Costs Equal Falling European Potato Acres spudsmart.com/rising-production-costs-equal-falling-european-potato-acres/ U.S. Reopens Border to P.E.I. Potatoes After Months Long Closurespudsmart.com/u-s-reopens-border-to-p-e-i-potatoes-after-months-long-closure/ SPUDSMART.COM Spring 202241'