Comparing it with the 3-yr. average, the total Canadian Potato Storage Holdings on March 1, 2022, are up 17% or 411,498 tons. Total stocks on hand compared to 3-yr. averages are highest in Ontario at 40%, the latest United Potato Growers of Canada (UPGC) report shows.

“PEI had the highest in previous months but in the past month have had to destroy almost 152,400 tons due to the closure of the US border, bringing holdings more in line with other Eastern provinces,” the UPGC experts wrote, adding that Alberta and BC are the two provinces with below-average stocks on hand.

Fresh Holdings in Canada on March 1 are estimated at 599,467 tons. Eastern Canada stocks are 52% above 3-yr. averages, led by New Brunswick at 87%. PEI has had to destroy a significant portion of their fresh potatoes intended for the US market and reflects lower levels compared to last month. Fresh stocks are down in both British Columbia and Manitoba.

March 1st potato stocks expected to be utilized for processing, are at 1,854,000 tons, up 14% above historical levels. Alberta stocks are 13% below 3-yr. averages. Almost all provinces required additional volume to meet their demand increases. Fryers and Chippers in Eastern Canada have a much larger cushion to work on this year compared to the last two. Imports into western provinces have been needed to keep plants running at capacity. The industry will likely need any additional stocks to make up shortfalls in the Pacific Northwest production of this past crop.

Seed Inventory on March 1, 2022, is pretty close to historical levels at 441,980 tons. Provinces with lower seed stocks include BC and PEI. Larger than historical seed inventories are available in New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario. Unfortunately, the seed industry has to wait patiently as growers try to plan acreages based on large increases in the cost of production, world conflicts, and border issues.