b'As in many other jurisdictions, potato events such as the United Potato Partners meeting paired with the spring production/Manitoba Research meet- PRINCE EDWARD ISLANDing was cancelled. The upcoming Industry Golf Day has also been cancelled. Other meetings are uncertain as we move toward the lifting of restrictionsMary Kay Sonier, seed coordinator withrelated to COVID-19 and begin to figure out how to safely proceed in light ofPrince Edward Island Potato Boardthe pandemic.This situation with COVID-19 has affected the potato industry in all provinces and exaggerated the vulnerability of our industry to a host of factors. This has NEW BRUNSWICK caused major disruptions in the supply chain, demand, labour availability, etc. As essential businesses, our farms and processing companies have continued Matt Hemphill, executive director of Potatoesto operate with many modifications made to adhere to provincial public health New Brunswick guidelines. Farmers are doing what they do best, which is to adapt with Mother Nature has cooperated, for the most part, for the 2020 planting seasoncreative solutions to the changing conditions. in New Brunswick. Volume cuts from the processors are around 15 per centWe thank both the provincial and federal levels of government for the due to the closure of food services globally. Table and seed acres will be flat orassistance potato growers have received so far. We realize there is still hurt slightly down in the province.and anxiety in some areas and our organization continues to advocate, in The marketing of the 2019 potato crop has been anything but normal.cooperation with the Canadian Potato Council, for help where there are gaps.The COVID-19 pandemic has put the potato industry globally in turmoil, soThe planting season in P.E.I. was favourable with minimal weather delays. therefore processors, fresh packers and seed growers have been scrounging toProcessing cuts were less than expected in our province and many other areas. try to divert raw potatoes into any possible channels. We are watching the phased in reopening plans in regions throughout the Millions of pounds of potatoes have been donated to food banks, othersworld and hope to see a successful restart of economies and our markets for have been moved to cattle feed and even some to a digester to be convertedall forms of potatoes. into energysome were even buried as a last resort. This crisis has made us all become more familiar and reliant on electronic These diversion plans have cost the industry millions of dollars in lostforms of communication and alternative ways of conducting business to revenue. We remain optimistic the industry will rebound, and things can getkeep staff and those we deal with safe. There is much uncertainty still ahead back to normal. and we have put together a webpage to help keep our growers up to date The announcement by the federal government for the $50 million foodat https://peipotatoagronomy.com/covid19/. We wish everyone a successful surplus program was disappointing. Its unfortunate the program eligibilitygrowing season in 2020.starts June 15 and is not backdated to help the industry be compensated for as early as late March when the pandemic started.BRITISH COLUMBIAHugh Reynolds with Reynalda Farmsin Delta, B.C.The weather is never perfect. It will start to rain if you drive a load of seed to the field. In British Columbia this year, weather has been fair and the balance of rain to sun has allowed windows of planting such where we have been able to finish without going deep into June.Early planting happened as planned and early Warbas are being dug. B.C. will be switching to skin set sales as normal in July. The rain we have received has not been excessive and we expect no fields to be abandoned. In fact, we expect the crop to be of good quality and size for 2020. Food service sales from the 2019 crop have been slow. However, the trade has stepped in and are helping us move these to the fresh market.SUMMER 2020 SPUDSMART.COM 43'