Just when it looked as if spring had arrived, southern Alberta was hit with one last snowstorm. However, for potato growers, it should not cause much concern.
That was the word from Edzo Kok, executive director of the Potato Growers of Alberta. He estimated 15-20 per cent of the 2009 crop has already been seeded and despite the cold, those potatoes in the ground are still safe.
But the weather is not the only thing potato growers hope will heat up in the coming weeks. Kok added contract negotiations are still ongoing with Maple Leaf and Lamb Weston. The contracts for the chippers are completed and even though deals are not completed with Lamb Weston and Maple Leaf, Kok added the companies have released the volumes of potatoes they will require. McCain has indicated potato acres will remain the same from 2008, while Lamb Weston’s potato acres will drop in 2009.
All that needs to be done now is for the growers and the companies to settle on prices.
That was the word from Edzo Kok, executive director of the Potato Growers of Alberta. He estimated 15-20 per cent of the 2009 crop has already been seeded and despite the cold, those potatoes in the ground are still safe.
But the weather is not the only thing potato growers hope will heat up in the coming weeks. Kok added contract negotiations are still ongoing with Maple Leaf and Lamb Weston. The contracts for the chippers are completed and even though deals are not completed with Lamb Weston and Maple Leaf, Kok added the companies have released the volumes of potatoes they will require. McCain has indicated potato acres will remain the same from 2008, while Lamb Weston’s potato acres will drop in 2009.
All that needs to be done now is for the growers and the companies to settle on prices.
