NewsBusinessBuilding Resilience: What Role Does the CPC Play in Canada’s Potato Industry?

Building Resilience: What Role Does the CPC Play in Canada’s Potato Industry?

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Canadian potato growers today must continue to evolve amid a changing agricultural landscape, where sustainable practices and technological innovation are imperative for success.

Understanding these transformations is crucial for growers as they navigate both challenges and opportunities in the years ahead, says Caleigh Hallink-Irwin, the new General Manager of the Canadian Potato Council (CPC) at the Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada. Hallink-Irwin was one of several featured speakers at the 52nd annual Manitoba Potato Production Days Trade Show and Conference last week.

“Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s integral to how we shape our industry moving forward,” she says, highlighting that the push for eco-friendly practices is more relevant than ever as consumers demand transparency regarding food production methods.

Climate change impacts — including fluctuations in moisture levels and temperature — pose growing concerns that require strategic planning and proactive agricultural practices. Hallink-Irwin notes that producers continue to adapt to these conditions by implementing water management strategies and exploring alternative crop rotations that ensure soil health and productivity.

But labor shortages remain a serious hurdle.

“Many growers struggle to find seasonal workers needed for planting, harvesting, and processing,” Hallink-Irwin says. In fact, recent statistics indicate that around 60 per cent of Canadian potato growers have difficulties in hiring sufficient labor. This challenge is compounded by an aging workforce and the declining interest in farm work among younger generations.

Initiatives that emphasize modern agricultural practices, including the use of technology and sustainability efforts may be able to help.

“The younger demographic wants to be part of something impactful, and agriculture offers that opportunity,” Hallink-Irwin says.

Particularly when paired with innovation.

“We’re seeing more producers invest in precision agriculture technologies that enhance efficiency and resource management,” she says. Additionally, the integration of data analytics allows growers to make informed decisions about planting patterns and resource allocation, ultimately leading to better crop management.

Research and development continue to serve as cornerstones for progress within the Canadian potato sector, she adds. An estimated $4 million is invested each year in research initiatives targeted at pest management, disease resistance, and crop genetics. Continued investment in research is essential for developing new varieties that enhance disease resistance and yield potential.

“We have a robust research foundation in Canada, and partnerships with academic institutions play a vital role,” Hallink-Irwin says.

But for real change to occur, continued collaboration is essential.

“The more we work together — be it among growers, researchers, or policymakers — the better we can address common challenges and drive meaningful change,” she says. This collaborative approach enables stakeholders to share knowledge and implement best practices, reinforcing resilience.

Education and outreach are also important to reshaping public perceptions of the industry.

“We need to communicate the good work being done in the field,” Hallink-Irwin says. On that front, the CPC actively engages in efforts to educate consumers on the sustainable practices implemented by growers, which is essential for building trust and fostering consumer loyalty.

“Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that growers can thrive — not just survive,” she says, reinforcing the council’s commitment to supporting potato producers. This encompasses providing resources, sharing best practices, and advocating for policies that enable economic viability while promoting sustainable practices. “Achieving our goals is about finding the right balance — balancing productivity with responsibility to our land and our consumers.”

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