Market Update is a monthly video series featuring Victoria Stamper, General Manager of the United Potato Growers of Canada. Below is a summary of our first conversation. The full video is available here.
With meeting season in full swing, Victoria Stamper, General Manager of the United Potato Growers of Canada, shares insights on the state of the industry, upcoming challenges, and the importance of grower connections.
The newest 2025 Holdings Report won’t be available until mid-February, but that doesn’t mean the United Potato Growers of Canada is resting on its laurels. General Manager Victoria Stamper says her organization is keeping an eye on the issues most important to the industry while connecting with growers at a number of events across the country.
“This time of the year is actually our busy time in terms of grower meetings,” she says. “Farmers are quieter. They’re not out in the field — so now they have time to get together, talk things over, and attend conferences and trade shows.”
Stamper is currently on the road, attending various events, including Manitoba Potato Producer Production Days last week, and the upcoming grower conferences in New Brunswick and P.E.I.
“At the end of the month, we’re also in Vancouver for the BC Potato and Vegetable meetings, which we’re attending in person this year, instead of doing it via Zoom.”
The opportunity for in-person interaction fosters an environment that encourages networking and idea exchange, she says. These gatherings serve to replace the informal meetings that once took place at local co-ops, transforming the atmosphere into one rich with knowledge-sharing and community support.
Growers attending these meetings have much to gain. “It gives them an opportunity to see what’s new,” Stamper says. “There are new booths being added to the trade show every year, and it’s important to hear from speakers who address challenges that may often feel isolating.”
The insights shared at these conferences often shine a light on pressing agricultural issues — and there’s no question growers are up against a few. But despite uncertainty, Stamper says these conferences highlight the resilience of the industry.
“I was surprised by how the growers are responding to what’s happening out there,” she says, referring to the potential tariffs that could be imposed by our neighbours under the Trump administration. “We know it’s on their minds, but growers are also focusing on what they can control.”
On the storage front, Stamper says that while there have been some reports around issues with reds and yellows, the russets seem to be holding well. Warm weather during harvest meant that some potatoes went into storage before they could cool.
“This time of year is critical since growers must keep a close eye on those stored crops.”
The upcoming planting season is also already on the many growers’ minds, with some starting to place seed orders, hoping to circumvent any potential supply snags.
“While there may not be outright shortages, certain regions could face challenges with specific varieties,” Stamper says. However, she highlights that the acreage for certified varieties has increased, signaling promise for an ever-evolving industry.
Much of that evolution is often on display at grower meetings — another reason to attend.
“It’s fascinating to see how research is evolving and addressing the impacts of all the changes we’re experiencing,” she says. “Though there will always be challenges ahead, but together we can navigate the changing landscape of agriculture.”
United Potato Growers of Canada is a non-profit association with the mission is to provide potato industry information, intelligence, and analysis, that allows producers to make timely informed production and marketing decisions.
