b'One-on-One with KPPAs new GM2024 marks Susan Ainsworths 27th growing season working in the potato industry, but shes new as of September to the Keystone Potato Producers Association.BY: MADELEINE BAERGSPUD SMART sat down with Susantemperatures in May and June led to rapid Ainsworth to talk opportunities, marketemergence and tuber initiation, which was trends, and navigating bumps in the roadfollowed by nearly ideal growing conditions ahead. in July.Rainfall amounts were below average, however, so where irrigation was SS: First, congratulations on thelimited, yields were closer to average. The new gig with KPPA, Susan. Youveincreased production in 2023 was a welcome got loads of potato industrychange compared to previous years where experience, but are you enjoyingyields fell below expectations. The volatility the learning thats coming withyear-to-year is concerning, and I always starting up in this new role?feel humbled from an agronomists point Susan Ainsworth:Thanks! Absolutely. Iof view because, despite all the hard work, have an insatiable curiosity and feel stronglyevery season is different and environmental about the importance of continuousconditions can sometimes trump our best learning and growth, which is great, becauseefforts. With this in mind, I think we there is always lots more to learn! need to take a hard look at what builds resilience into our production systems and SS: Lets jump right into a meatyhave access to the best knowledge available question. Though you dont haveto make timely decisions in response to Susan Ainsworth is the general manager of a crystal ball, you do have yourthe Keystone Potato Producers Associationexternal factors. This is where research and finger on the pulse of where(KPPA). collaboration play an important role.the industry is at. What do you see as the biggest challengesSS Talk to me about market trends. and opportunities coming forProfitability is paramount. Given adequateYoure right about last years processing potato producers, bothcompensation, producers can invest in newhuge crop. Well likely be sitting in the near term and further out? equipment technologies to reduce theiron potatoes right through into SA:I am reminded of a quote by Winstondependency on labour and invest in buildingSeptember. But whats the market Churchill which states: A pessimisttheir soils and increasing biodiversity, whichoutlook if we look further out? Are sees the difficulty in every opportunityis foundational to improved productivityyou optimistic over the long term? and an optimist sees the opportunity inand greater environmental and economicSA:We were fortunate to have Vince every difficulty. Ironically, I believe thehealth. Measuring, quantifying andSgabellone from Circana speak at Manitoba opportunity for producers is imbedded inverifying these improvements so growersPotato Production Days in January the challenges they currently face. efforts can be recognized is going to takeregarding Canadian market trends. He A perfect example of this is the movementmore work. stated that french fries remain the top food toward more sustainable or regenerativeitem in foodservice.He showed data to agriculture. I feel if we can get past theSS: One thing thats certain insupport an increasing demand for fries semantics, definitions, and disputing [of]agriculture is uncertainty. Do youand noted that this growth is occurring the motives, we can uncover solutionshave advice for how growers andsimultaneously with the growth of the through an increased focus on soilindustry can best navigate bumpsfoodservice industry as a whole.Despite health, biodiversity, and profitability. Thein the road ahead this year? some demographic shifts in consumer increasing cost of capital, shortage of skilledSA:2023 was a very unique growing seasonhabits, the versatility of potatoes allows for labour, and concern over resource scarcity,that resulted in some growers producingnew and different menu items to respond to such as water, all contribute to the high riskthe highest yielding potato crop they hadnew trends, so I am very optimistic about associated with process potato production.ever achieved. The higher-than-normalthe future of the process potato industry. 18SPUDSMART.COMSpring 2024'