Winter 2025 Issue

After a record-breaking harvest, there’s much to celebrate in Canada’s potato industry. In the Winter 2025 issue of Spud Smart, we talk to Tyler Heppell and Peter VanderZaag about how the great work they’re doing beyond our Canadian borders is helping to feed the planet. We share how a 20-year partnership between Western Canada and Hawaii is securing confidence in our seeds, and speak to researchers who are tapping deeper into the nutrient properties of the humble spud. As much as there is to celebrate, we recognize there are also industry challenges — both persistent and looming. We acknowledge former PEI Potato Board Chair John Visser, who offers sage advice for his successor when it comes to potential border issues, and talk to agronomists, researchers, and industry leaders who are looking at new ways to tackle diseases like seed piece decay, PVY, and much more. Plus, a new study on soil outlines 25 recommendations for protecting our most precious resource — but is it enough?