New Potato Varieties unveiled at Fredericton Potato Research Centre

Potatoes bred to make great potato chips were the feature attraction at the annual unveiling of new potato varieties at the federal Potato Research Centre in Fredericton this week.



Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada estimates potato chips could be a $1.7 billion industry in Canada by the end of 2016.



Cecil Goutpeck of Alberta made his way to Fredericton to see the new varieties of potato the research centre is making available for field trials by farmers.



"We're always looking for the varieties that can out-yield, [have] low diseases and good chipping qualities," said Goutpeck. "And this Fredericton breeding program fits the bill."



Research scientist Benoit Bizimungu says the new varieties should suit the industry.



"For the grower, the yield is very high, compared to some traditional varieties," said Bizimungu. "And also for the purchasers, the quality is superior to what we have on the market.