b"eyeQUEBEC PRINCE EDWARD ISLANDSarah-Maude Larose-Lavalle, project officerWayne Townshend, board chairman of thefor Les Producteurs de pommes de terre duPrince Edward Island Potato BoardQubec I believe that across the country we are looking forward to putting the past The 2020 potato crop faced challenging weather events, from dry conditions inseason behind us for both human (COVID-19) and market access/plant health growing areas to a difficult harvest, but growers managed to store only slight- issues. There is always a sense of optimism in the spring and this year is no ly below average supplies. Though, fresh table potato packers are strugglingexception. We are all looking forward to a more normal year. with higher cullage due to frost and water damage and a limited supply of raw.The winter has been interesting with many more extension opportunities All indication points to packers running out of supply before the availability ofavailable to growers.The virtual format has given growers the chance to new crop. Movement has been ahead of last years and relatively steady sinceview presentations at online conferences hosted from potato growing regions Christmas. across North America. Maybe even after COVID has subsided, the wider accessOverall holdings as of Feb. 1 are down three per cent compare to theto learning events will continue. We have been fortunate in P.E.I. to be able to five-year running average. Market demand is also above average in the chipalso enjoy small grower gatherings in order to receive local research updates. sector, and all the supply is needed to meet the processors needs. At the timeThere is definitely more interaction at these in-person events.of writing in March, 2021 process negotiations are still to initiate. Seed quality was good in 2020, but supplies have been tight in the The Quebec potato board held their annual seed potato day virtually oneast due to the drought conditions that reduced yield in 2020. Table stock Feb. 26, 2021, where growers and industry representatives had the opportu- shipments are steady, and prices have remained strong throughout the winter. nity to discuss the main challenges, current issues, and overview the last andProcessing contract negotiations are underway and growers across North present marketing season in order to support the industry going forward. America are looking to see contract volumes return to pre-COVID levels. Our 2021 annual general meeting happened on March 31. We all grew an amazing crop that has weathered the pandemic relatively wellpotatoes are considered a food staple and a comfort food, both characteristics which have helped to maintain demand. The challenge we need to meet now is keeping potatoes at the forefront as society and the economy open up and people return to a pre-COVID lifestyle.SASKATCHEWANMatthew E. Lawless, president of the Saskatchewan Seed Potato GrowersAssociation Inc.Winter seems to be drawing to a close across Saskatchewan, and the first signs of spring are always a welcome sight. Seed potato growers in the prov-ince are working hard, day in and day out, shipping top-quality seed across North America, preparing land and equipment for planting, and sorting out all the details for the cropping season ahead. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is not impacting seed markets this year as was experienced in the spring of 2020, and for that, growers are grateful. The pandemic did impact how growers networked this past winter, as we all know. SSPGA was proud to be a partner and exhibitor in the Canadian Spud Congress, and we send thanks to the whole team at Spud Smart for pulling off Theperfect addition to youra memorable virtual conference for our industry. Here's hoping we see you all \x1f in-person next winter!eet. All aluminum trailer inserts will transform your dry vans intoSSPGA growers will continue to monitor irrigation development in our prov-self-unloading bulk trailers. Builtince, as consultations are presently occurring relative to the Lake Diefenbaker lightweight without troughs forirrigation expansion project, and preliminary work should begin within the maximum product capacity. next 12 to 18 months. Other priorities for SSPGA in the coming season include Call today to see how we can help you maximize yourcollaborative research with the University of Saskatchewan and Agriculture product payload and reduce your transportation cost. and Agri-Food Canada, as well as market development. We wish all potato growers across Canada a safe and productive planting season. Please take care out there!50 SPUDSMART.COM SPRING 2021"