Canada produced nearly five million metric tonnes (MT) of potatoes in 2006, as the 12th largest potato producer worldwide. The potato is a priority vegetable crop in Canada, accounting for 35 per cent of all vegetable farm cash receipts in 2006, according to Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada (AAFC) data.

TWELVE years ago four engineers in Belgium got together and jotted their ideas down on paper. Their only option for work space was the garage of a house, in Kapelle, Belgium.
And so the story of BEST (Belgian Electronic Sorting Technology) began.

Everyone likes a story of success and for an English farmer's son to create an international company that designs, manufactures and installs complete handling systems, primarily for the vegetable industry and also for environmental waste and recycling industries, it was no small feat. That's the account of Rod Herbert, founder and chairman of Herbert Engineering.

Is Genetic Modification a viable option for potato production: are there benefits in terms of nutrition, yield?

GM potatoes are a viable option for potato production. Modifications to the nutritional value of the potatoes are certainly a possibility. Reducing pesticide use and protecting the stored crop are great opportunities for GM potatoes. Consumer acceptance is key to the future of GM potatoes.