P.E.I. potatoes may help massive Russian need

Prince Edward Island has just completed the successful harvest of an almost near bumper crop for 2010 and Russia is calling.

The largest country in the world (area) had such a dismal farming season this year;it is desperately sourcing spuds to import – especially after extreme weather problems wiped out more than half the Russia harvest.

“It’s hard to imagine such massive numbers, it is mind boggling,’’ said P.E.I. Potato Board chairman Boyd Rose. “We have good exporters working on this and it’s only a matter of time before a deal is signed. It’s not a case of if…but when!”

The good news came at the Potato Board annual meeting in Charlottetown Friday and with emails already popping up on the screens of a dozen exporters;Rose said it’s created major optimism that a good shipping year awaits.

There are other countries much closer to Russia that will be first in line to feed the need, but the demand is so great that Island spuds will be making their way via container ships to St. Petersburg.

“No one wants to capitalize on a misfortune, but even if we got a slice of this it would be a big deal,’’ said Rose. “It would stir the pot and accelerate interest in P.E.I. potatoes.”

Russia is not a usual P.E.I. customer.

View video: P.E.I. Potato Board president Boyd Rose talks about the demand Russia has for potatoes and speculates how Island spuds may help fulfill that need