Harvest 2024 began and finished early in P.E.I. thanks to a dry fall.
While the lack of rain had initially brought worry for harvest yields, there were minimal impacts once all the crop was dug. Gravity rates are the highest in memory, and most are very happy with the crop.
Post harvest tests thus far are favourable, which is in thanks to the hyper vigilance growers showed while watching for and mitigating pests such as aphids.
P.E.I. continues to do significant research to better meet customer needs, improve marketable yields, and to improve environmental sustainability. In particular, focus was placed on projects relating to improving soil health, fertility, and best management practices as it relates to our main varieties. Growers are keen to make improvements in this and other areas, and these trials will be amplified in the future.
The PEI Potato Board said goodbye to chairman John Visser after a three-year term. We want to thank John for all his tireless work on the industry’s behalf, and we welcome Donald Stavert into the chairman’s role.
Submitted by Greg Donald, General Manager, PEI Potato Board