Alberta’s potato sector underscored its economic weight and capacity to withstand volatility as the 59th Alberta Potato Conference and Trade Show opened in Red Deer on 18 November 2025. The event drew more than 500 registered growers and industry representatives, alongside a sold-out trade show of 80 exhibitors — a turnout that industry observers say reflects strong momentum in the province’s potato economy.

Farmers in Alberta, largely family-owned operations, cultivate potatoes on roughly 4% of provincial farmland yet contribute close to 30% of agri-food GDP, according to figures presented during the conference. In 2024, the province harvested 73,520 acres, representing 160 registered growers and generating approximately 1.5 million tonnes of potatoes.

Opening the conference, Alison Davie, chair of the Potato Growers of Alberta, acknowledged the challenges of the past twelve months but emphasized confidence in the industry’s trajectory. “Despite an uncertain year filled with political and market volatility, I’m optimistic about what’s ahead,” she said.

More than 80% of Alberta’s planted acres are dedicated to processing, amounting to more than 1.2 million tonnes of potatoes destined for the province’s three French fry plants and three potato chip plants. Seed production accounted for around 14% of total acres, reinforcing Alberta’s position as Canada’s largest exporter of seed potatoes, with the United States identified as the primary destination market. Meanwhile, 6,171 acres were harvested for the fresh potato market, which continues to grow at a measured pace.

Davie highlighted that long-term sustainability must be directly tied to growers’ ability to maintain financial viability. “Without profitability, there is no sustainability,” she said, noting ongoing efforts to reduce inputs, improve disease management, and enhance water-use efficiency.

The province is also seeing demographic renewal. The average age of growers has fallen by nearly ten years compared with a decade ago, signalling continued generational transition and investment in farming operations. “It’s great to see that, and it’s a clear sign that our industry continues to attract new talent,” Davie said. “The key to our continued success is community, innovation, and telling our story. We have a strong, united industry, and I look forward to what we will accomplish together.”

Conference attendees this year will participate in a programme combining educational sessions, technical presentations, and market outlooks. Early sessions, including a standing-room-only presentation on disease control by Jeff Miller, drew significant attention. Exhibitors and attendees also used the event to discuss the season’s market conditions and explore new technologies across storage, equipment, and crop management.

As the industry emerges from a year marked by price swings, weather challenges, and political uncertainty, the tone at the conference remained notably forward-looking.