Two Quebec potato packers, Québec Parmentier and Patate-Saint-Ambroise of Saguenay, Que., have merged together, according to a release from the companies. “The integration of these new partners confirms that the business model and the values advocated by the organization meet the interests of potato producers in Quebec,” says Pierre Chouinard, CEO of Québec Parmentier, in the release. Following the completion of the merger Saint-Ambroise, Que.-based Québec Parmentier will hold all of the…
Increased frozen potato product processing demand supported farmland value increases in potato regions across Canada, Farm Credit Canada’s (FCC) annual farmland values report for 2019 shows. Nationally farmland values rose 5.2 per cent in 2019 — the smallest increase over the past decade. Areas with potato production though recorded larger increases than those without though. In southern Alberta around Lethbridge, farmland increased by 3.9 per cent — beating the provincial increase of 3.3…
Japan has agreed to further reduce exports on United States potato products as of April 1, a news release from the National Potato Council (NPC) says. This comes only four months after the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement came into affect on Jan. 1. The tariff on U.S. frozen fries will fall to 2.1 per cent, and the tariff on U.S. dehydrated potato flakes will drop to 10 per cent. Further reductions will happen…
Below is a list of updates from provincial and federal potato organizations in regards to COVID-19 information. This page will be updated when new information is available. Keystone Potato Producers Association The organization’s office closed as of Monday, March 23, with employees working from home, Dan Sawatzky, general manager of the Keystone Potato Producers Association (KPPA), says in an email. The spring production/United Partners meeting which was scheduled for March 26 has…
The following piece is from our sister publication, Alberta Seed Guide. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold the Canadian government has provided Farm Credit Canada (FCC) with an additional $5 billion in lending capacity, Marie-Claude Bibeau, minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced today. Bibeau’s announcement comes following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement earlier today outlining more details on the Government of Canada’s plan to support the economy during the COVID-19…
The following piece is from our sister publication, Germination. After some uncertainty last week surrounding the closure of the Canada-U.S. border to all but essential travel, the federal government has eased concerns with regard to temporary agricultural workers and the definition of non-essential travel. Agriculture minister Marie-Claude Bibeau released a statement saying temporary foreign workers will be allowed on farms providing they follow protocols including a health screening before they arrive and…
The recently created Potato Sustainability Alliance (PSA) has added Charlottetown, P.E.I.-based breeding and seed potato trading company HZPC Americas Corp, as a member to its organization, the group says in a news release. “Fostering collaboration across the value chain is an essential component of PSA. By joining our organization and partnering with our members and potato farmers, HZPC can help catalyze opportunities for ongoing improvement in potato sustainability,” Laura Scandurra, executive director…
The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council has developed a website with resources to help agricultural business deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes the latest information, recommendations, employee management tips, tools (posters, policies) and links to authorities. These details will help you respond to the pandemic and limit the impact and spread of COVID-19 within your business. Visit the site at: https://cahrc-ccrha.ca/programs/emerging-agriworkforce-issues/information-and-updates-coronavirus-covid-19 More COVID-19 Coverage Canadian Fertilizer Chain Flowing Smoothly Despite COVID-19…
At a news conference this week, Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said temporary foreign workers will be allowed entry into Canada after self-isolation for 14 days. However, a senior cabinet minister said Thursday, March 19, the allowance refers to workers coming over the Canada-US border only. We are still awaiting specific details from the federal government in regard to its Seasonal Agricultural Workers program. In a press release, the Western Canadian Wheat…
Fertilizer shipments to farmers are still flowing throughout Canada despite recent supply disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Fertilizer Canada says in a news release. Movement must continue to allow farmers to position product for the beginning of the planting season in late April and early May and ensure additional quantities are available for replenishment throughout the planting season, the release says. Fertilizer Canada says it would become concerned though about any…