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Potato Growers of Alberta
www.albertapotatoes.ca
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From the Desk of the Executive Director
March is now upon us
and with that brings
the start of longer days,
more sunshine, warmth
and a renewed optimism
of what lies ahead. Plans
of bringing in seed,
working on equipment
and finalizing field plans
are all but completed.
The only thing left to do is
hurry up and wait. There
appears to be very little
frost in most areas of
the province so this has
many growers hoping
for an early spring, only
time will tell.
to backfill the domestic
market as offshore sales
increase. It is anticipated
to take 45-60 days to get
everything flowing back
to normal.
On a national level, the
Canadian
Horticulture
Council’s
93rd Annual
General Meeting will be
held the week of March
9th in Quebec City. For
those that are planning
to attend, this is a great
opportunity to see all
the work that we are
involved in at a national
level. Alberta is well
represented with Ernie
Van Boom being on the
Executive Council, John
Bareman, Chairman of
the
Canadian
Potato
Council
and
Gord
Visser, Vice Chair of
the Seed Potato Sub
Committee. As well we
have numerous growers
involved
in
various
committee assignments.
March 2, 2015
Inside this Edition
Seed Industry News 2
Potato
Conference
&
Trade Show in November.
This year’s event is
back at the Sheraton in
Red Deer, running from
November 17th-19th. This
year we are celebrating
the 25th Anniversary of
the APIA – Alberta Potato
Industry
Association.
Come join us as we
celebrate 25 years of
collaboration
between
the APIA and the PGA.
BRR Potato Talk
2
Project Manager's Report
3
Seed Shipping Checklist
3
APIA Round Up 4
APIA Round Up Pg 2
5
UPGC Manager's Message
6
Bill C-18 News Release
7
Ag Expo Recap
8
Moving ahead, we have
also begun preparations
to celebrate the 50th
Anniversary of the PGA
in November 2016. Note
the change in dates, Nov
21st-23rd, 2016 Mon-Wed
at the Fairmont Banff
Springs
in
beautiful
Banff, Alberta. Plan to
join us and be a part of
the celebration.
From the Office
Negotiations
continue
in earnest with the
processors, with hopes to
have contracts in place in
the very near future. This
too takes a great deal of
time and patience, with
countless hours being
spent behind the scene
by
your
Negotiating
Committee. A thank you
to each of them every
once in a while goes a
Area
Meetings
are
long way.
coming up at the end
As of Monday Feb. 16th, of March. Please plan
a tentative agreement on attending to receive
has
been
reached updates on where we are
between the long shore in regards to the rest of
men and the West Coast the North American and
Port Authority in the global industry.
US. This is great news
for Alberta as a large The office team has Until next month
amount of our frozen already started to make
product goes into the US plans for the Alberta Terence
PGA Area Meeting Reminder 8
9
Our Condolences
9
Accelerated Release Invite
9
Upcoming PGA
Events
March 24th
NORTH GROWERS
Hilton Garden Inn @ 6pm
March 26th
SOUTH GROWERS
Heritage Inn @ 7:30 am
July 13th
APIA Burgers & Beans
BBQ
July 14th
PGA Golf Tournament
November 17 - 19th
2015 Potato Conference
& Trade Show
Sheraton Red Deer
Seed Industry Update
PGA Seed Coordinator
,Deb Hart was asked by the
Canadian Horticulture Council
to represent the Canadian Potato Council (CPC) and
address the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture
and Forestry about the proposed and necessary
changes to the Agricultural Growth Act (Bill C-18). The
presentation took place at the Senate Building in Ottawa
on February 3, 2015. Here is an insert of her speech.
Potato production in Canada, specifically that the
Canadian Potato Council (CPC) represents Canada’s
nearly 1,300 potato producers, who collectively generate
farm gate value of approximately $1.1 billion annually.
Although international industries realize the benefits of
growing seed in Canada because of our large land base for
multiple year rotations, our unlimited water source and long,
cold winters preventing overwintering pests, further seed
production of protected varieties in Canada is discouraged
due to current Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR) legislation.
Administered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,
Canada implemented the PBR Act in 1990. This legislation
complied with the 1978 International Convention for the
Protection of New Plant Varieties (UPOV), however the
Convention was revised in 1991. Despite the fact Canada
signed the Convention with full intent to ratify by amending
the PBR legislation, the amendments have yet to be made
and Canada is one of the only developed countries not a
member of UPOV 91. From seed production through to
processing and fresh potatoes for consumers, without access
to UPOV 91 the Potato Industry is missing opportunities
generated by the introduction of new and improved
varieties and investment from international partners.
The fact that Canada cannot protect new or private
varieties in a similar fashion that other countries who
have ratified to UPOV 91, has had a negative impact on
domestic and international interest and investment to
develop and protect new varieties in Canada. Countries
who have ratified to UPOV 91 are more likely to invest
and align with countries who have also ratified.
Many of the newly developed AAFC varieties are
PBR protected, resulting in funds being returned to
the breeding program in a timelier manner as seed
production increases, however our industry is very
competitive and we must stay ahead of the competition.
The private potato breeders in Canada have formed their
own organization, the Canadian Private Potato Breeders
Network and with the announcement of Bill C-18, private
breeding programs will be further encouraged. Private
breeders in Canada have made available many improved
and innovative varieties suited to Canadian production
areas and requirements (i.e. Potato Cyst Nematode
resistant), however the current PBR legislation is not
competitive with UPOV 91. The Canadian private breeders
would like to have similar Plant Breeder Rights that their
colleagues in other countries are currently able to obtain.
If UPOV 91 is ratified, it will allow our industry to compete
with other international potato producing areas. It will
encourage international breeders to introduce new
varieties to Canada, and allow our Canadian breeders,
both public and private, the opportunity to use new
genetic properties in their own breeding programs.
Deb later advised the PGA Staff that the eight Senators
present were well informed on the facts, as demonstrated in
the numerous questions posed during the 30 minute question
period. The honour of being asked to present the case on
behalf of CHC, proves how she is respected in the Potato
Industry, on a National level, and we are so proud of her!
The result of Deb’s and other presenters’ information
obviously played a large part in the desired final outcome.
See page 7 for a New Release dated Feb. 27th.
~ Wendy Arnold, Financial /Communications Administrator.
‘Focus on Potato’ Talk Teaches Bacterial Ring Rot Sanitation
Of the more than 100 diseases of potato, bacterial ring rot is one of the few zero-tolerance pests. If just
one seed potato on a farm is found to have this disease, no seed on that farm can be certified.
This disease can spread rapidly during seed handling, cutting and planting, so sanitation is one of the key
lines of defense.
The latest ‘Focus on Potato’ presentation, “Sanitation for Bacterial Ring Rot” by Dr. Gary Secor,
Professor of Plant Pathology at North Dakota State University, will help consultants, growers, and other
practitioners in potato producing areas implement proper sanitation and disinfectant procedures for
bacterial ring rot. Follow the hyperlink above or key in www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/edcenter/
seminars/potato/Sanitation.
This presentation particularly explains:
• How the pathogens which cause ring rot survive
• Proper disinfection procedures to prevent ring rot
• Suggestions for cleaning facilities and equipment if you have ring rot
• Characteristics of frequently used disinfectants
By the end of this presentation, practitioners and potato growers should
understand proper sanitation and disinfection procedures to reduce the risk of
bacterial ring rot in potato operations and farms.
This 23-minute presentation is open access through April 30, 2015.
2
Project Manager’s Report
Well, it’s been an action packed February! Agendas have been quite full with meetings, events, and office time
for project building. I have lots to learn and lots of support from all around to make progress possible. One reason this
job was so appealing to me when I spoke with Terence last year, was the idea that every day would bring something
new. And I haven’t been disappointed! Each day presents new ideas and different challenges. Growth is a guarantee.
There are lots of things going on in our office, here is just a snap shot of what the Project Manager has been up to.
There are some new and improved Research Projects up and coming for this year. They look promising but need
final approval from the powers that be. Potato production has its hurdles as is the case in any sector in agriculture. One
of my jobs is to help manage research projects that will bring effective solutions for our growers. One big focus in the
potato industry recently is late blight. Incidence of late blight in southern Alberta has increased over the past 3 or 4
years. As many of you probably know, late blight can have a devastating effect on potato production. We are obligated
to manage this important disease and mitigate losses in the industry. Stewardship is key. In 2014, cooperation between
the Lethbridge College, the processing industry, the government, our grower organization, and others developed a
fungal spore trapping network to provide an early warning system for late blight infections. There was huge success
last year when growers used this network to their advantage and protected their crops by applying fungicides prior
to late blight infection. Applying fungicides prior to plant infection is one ingredient in the recipe for minimizing late
blight outbreaks. There were still problems with the disease in 2014, but it was better than the year before! This year
we are looking to expand and grow the late blight network. We learned some things
in 2014 and plan to make them even better for 2015. Support for this expansion
is unparalleled in the history of the potato industry—everyone is participating.
We are working to increase awareness of late blight in Alberta and even Canada.
Another advance we are hoping to make in the industry is helping to
change the perception of this dynamic and tasty tuber. There is great diversity
within the genus Solanum tuberosum. In fact, I would say that potato varieties are
as different and unique as apple varieties. Different taste, different size, different
color, different skin, and even different use. Each variety has a unique set of traits
and strengths. All potatoes are NOT equal! There is a parcel of land set aside to
help change the way you look at a potato variety. Every year we grow multiple unique varieties on that land and
distribute them for people in this growing area to try. In February, Wendy and I attended the Potato Variety Selection
Release at the Lethbridge Research Station. There is lots of promising material coming down the pipe. We were
also able to taste a few registered varieties at lunch. Thank you Alberta Seed Potato Industry (ASPI)! We are really
looking forward to selecting a few varieties this spring and contributing to the Potato Variety Awareness Campaign.
I have also spent my time here so far meeting new people and learning about what they do. Interpersonal relationship building is important in any industry. Networking is one thing we do in agriculture
to work towards making a better tomorrow. We need to be working towards improvement. That is one thing
potato growers are not strangers to. They are a progressive group who want to leave something meaningful
for the next generation. I value that mindset and I look forward to what the next month will bring.
Jay Anderson ~ Project Manager
Documents for Shipping Seed
A reminder to have all documents available for your customers during the busy shipping season:
• BRR results (PCR testing only accepted for shipments to Idaho)
• PCN test results for shipments to the US
• North American Plant Health Certificate
• Post-harvest test results, visual and/or lab test
• Field inspection results
3
APIA Round Up
Scholarships
In the fall of 2014, Dean Quinn was pleased to present the Alberta Potato Industry
Association Scholarship to Justin den Toom. Justin and his family farm near
Granum, AB and are involved in the production of beef, pork and fish. Justin
enrolled in the Lethbridge College Agriculture Technologies program to increase
his knowledge of agriculture in Southern Alberta and will graduate with an Animal
Sciences diploma in the spring of 2015.
Justin extends his thanks to the APIA for supporting his studies through the $500.00 scholarship. He finds
it rewarding to receive a scholarship based on academic achievement and is inspired to keep working hard
on his studies.
The Alberta Potato Industry Scholarship is awarded annually to a student enrolled in Agriculture at
Lethbridge College. Selection of recipients is managed by Lethbridge College based on academic achievement. A scholarship will be developed at the University of Lethbridge, supporting the Ag program and the
PGA’s recent announcement of the Potato Research Chair at the university. This scholarship is in addition
to the scholarship at Lethbridge College.
Alberta Potato Conference & Trade Show
The 2014 Alberta Potato Conference was attended by a record number of people and exhibitors. Thank you
to all who attended, participated in the planning, exhibited and provided prizes for the attendees. The 2015
Alberta Potato Conference and Trade Show will be held at the Sheraton Hotel in Red Deer November 17-19.
The following prizes were awarded at the banquet:
$2,000 Gift Certificate for Gallant Sales was won by Nico Remijn of Bow Island Potatoes.
The APIA Talk To Me Program winners are:
$200- Jill Stolk, name entered by anonymous
$400- Nate Cummins, name entered by Lyndsay Fletcher of CPS
$600- Ed Vandenberg, name entered by anonymous
$800- Stan Kanegawa, name entered by Bill Browning of Growers Supply
$1000- Lane Lievaart, name entered by anonymous
A Grand Prize “Trifecta” draw, sponsored by the PGA and APIA was held at the banquet. The winners were
Cecil Goutbeck, David Hofer and Lynn Natuk. The winners were able to choose between a $500 Costco
card, a $500 UFA fuel card or a $500 Banff Springs card.
Mashtini Bartenders from left...
Arnie Gouw, Jacques Nelis, Bruce Fletcher
and Bill Hacker.
4
Paul Sawatzky of Parkland
Seed serves a “potato cake” for
the Ladies Only portion of the
Trade Show.
Jake Schutter, Bill Browning, Dave Haarsma,
Bill Torsius and Jacob Bennen share a laugh
at the APIA Hospitality Suites.
APIA Round Up
Elections
Elections were held for the APIA executive positions. Russ Stewart and Alan Koyata remain as President and Treasurer. At an election held in January, Mike Duell of
Taber Home and Farm was elected as Secretary. Thank you Mike, your commitment
to serve is appreciated by the APIA!
25th Anniversary
2015 is the 25th Anniversary APIA, and BIG plans are in the works to make it a
year to remember. A committee has been formed and celebrations will be held
APIA President
in November at the Alberta Potato Conference & Trade Show. The committee is
Russ Stewart
co-chaired by Russ Stewart, Bill Hacker and Jeff Bronsch, and will consist of all the
members of the Board. All APIA members are welcome to join the Board and are
encouraged to help with the APIA sponsored activities throughout the year. If you
have any photos or memorabilia you would like to be a part of the 25th Anniversary celebration, please contact
Russ (russ@promaxag.com) or Bill (whacker@newwayirrigation.com)
Formed in 1990, The Alberta Potato
Industry Association (APIA) is a group of
individuals working and supporting
Alberta Potato Growers!
Membership
APIA allows for “Ladies Only” time at their Trade Show,
Did you know that membership with Alberta Potato
for an opportunity to mingle with the Partners, and an
Industry Associates allows you access to the PGA
opportunity for the Partners to get in on some networking
and some great door prizes.
website Members Only pages? This includes access
to our membership directory and research projects. It
also allows for your company to post it’s events free on our Industry Calendar. To find out more about how to
become an APIA member, and the benefits of membership, go to the PGA website, www.albertapotatoes.ca and
look under the “Industry” tab where you will find a link to the APIA contact list.
PLACE THE FACE...Last month we asked you to name these hard working
folks who contribute so much of their time to make the APIA Trade Show such
a success. They are Angela & Justin Quinton of Down to Earth Labs who are
taking over Trade Show registrations with some guidance from Bill
Hacker of New Way Irrigation.
5
Can you
PLACE THIS FACE?
He is the contact person in
charge of membership for
the APIA and obviously one
who loves the camera!!
United Potato Growers of Canada
resolved. If agreement is reached by then, fryers will need
potatoes. If resolution comes after then, processing plants
could be long on potatoes as they deal with a shorter shipping
season.
What’s Happening in the
US Market?
In February the United Potato Growers of America, removed
about 1.7 million hundredweight from the supply and
shipping forecast for the remainder of the season. This will
reduce the estimate of the total yearly supply and shipping
forecast from 101,093,400 cwt. to 99,425,600 cwt. of fresh
potatoes. The majority of this very large adjustment was
made in Colorado’s holdings. There is a significant volume of
potatoes that will not make it to market due to quality issues.
With a shortage of Norkotah seed last spring, many growers
planted Classic Russet, a variety that is generating lower pack
out percentages. Transportation issues also affected Colorado
in December, which put shipments behind schedule allowing
some varieties to reach the end of their shipping window. On
a positive note, Colorado has had good movement into the
Mexican market even with the 26km border still in place.
Overall, the US supply and demand curve is looking
pretty balanced with weekly fresh shipments of 1.8 million
hundredweight not expected to drop off before July 26th.
Carton prices in Idaho have been good at $28.50/cwt., with a
$3.75 drop this week to $24.75/cwt. Some observers feel that
GRI values do not seem to be reflective what is happening in
Idaho’s crop this year. The answer to this variance seems to
be in the large percentage of consumer size potatoes and the
low percentage of carton size potatoes in the formula basket.
The size profile is changing a little as some sheds are getting
into bigger spuds now. Winter weather is also pressuring
the market, backing up rail car delivery to the to east coast
destinations.
The port slow down in Seattle is creating major repercussions
for exporting french fries out of Washington. The Columbia
Basin is about 2.5 million cwt. behind in their pack plan.
Freezers in the basin are full and freezers in the Pacific Rim
are empty. Fryers are only getting about 80% of the required
product to that destination right now. Plants in the east have
been running hard to try
and make up the shortfall.
It could take up to two
years for CB processors to
get their volume back up to
previous levels again. March
15th will be a critical date
to have the port labor issue
6
For 2015, the contracted volume in the Columbia Basin
is expected to be 100% of 2014. In Idaho the contracted
acreage could either swing up 25% or down 25% depending
on the need. Lamb Weston offered Idaho growers 75% of
their contracted volume. Simplot was more optimistic and
offered Idaho 100% of their 2014-contracted volume. Lamb
Weston contracts in Idaho are down 1% in price with no
favored nations. The Simplot contract is down 1.5% in
price with no reduction in contracted volume. Also of great
interest on the processing side, is the decision by HJ Heinz
to source their raw through the Ontario Potato Company in
Oregon. Observers view this, as a cost slashing measure by
the Brazilian parent company 3G Capital. The company has
not yet decided which growers it will contract with. Contract
price has yet to be decided as well. Oregon processing growers
anticipate some uncertainty in 2015 until these details are
finalized.
The uncertainty in the processing sector has the potential to
create a considerable flex pile of potatoes. Blocks of potatoes
are being stored at 48 degrees to allow them to transition
either way. Current estimates would put this flex pile around
1.5 million hundredweight.
Pack outs play a large factor in crop disposition; Idaho’s pack
out is down 2% from last year to 63%. Wisconsin also has
lower pack out rates this year. Red River Valley pack outs, on
the other hand, are above average. Texas continues to be an
immeasurable volume – for a state that used to produce about
1 million cwt. – they now ship around 6.2 million cwt.
The US Potato Board recently reported that during quarter 4,
the year over year volume, dollars, and prices all declined over
the previous year. The category was down 2.5% in volume
versus a year ago. The decline in total potato volume was
driven by whites, which declined 21.0% from the prior year.
The only potato types to show increases in quarter 4 versus
a year ago were yellows and purples. Interestingly enough,
greater than 10 lb. bags, were the only size to post an increase
in dollars and volume versus a year ago.
For future acreage measurement, UPGA will upgrade
technology to use a cloud-based mapping version accessible
by “I Pad’s”, from the field. 2015 will be the transition year,
with full change over expected by 2016. This is an additional
effort to improve on the accuracy of NASS reports released
in July, which previously affected potato markets before the
crop barely emerged from the ground. All of these initiatives
provide better data to help growers make better-informed
decisions, based on what the market needs and what it has
available to work with.
Kevin MacIsaac - GM
Bill C-18 Plant Breeders’ Rights Act
Industry celebrates passage of an Act that will modernize Canadian
Agriculture. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced February
27th, 2015 that the Agricultural Growth Act (Bill C-18) received
Royal Assent. The Agricultural Growth Act will modernize Canadian
agriculture and increase trade opportunities for farmers, enhance
oversight and contribute to Canada’s overall economic growth.
al sector pleased
with updated Plant Breeders’ Rights
News Release
sector pleased with updated Plant Breeders’ Rights
from Royal AssentAgricultural
of C-18
from Breeders’
Royal Assent
C-18
members of Partners in Innovation applaud changes to Plant
Rightsof
(PBR)
Ottawa:Acts
Friday,
February
27 – The members
of Partners
InnovationAgricultural
applaud changes to Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR)
(thein Canadian
to Amend Certain
Relating
to Agriculture
and Agri-Food
yal Assent. legislation found in Bill C-18, An Act to Amend Certain Acts Relating to Agriculture and Agri-Food (the Canadian Agricultural
Growth Act), which has received Royal Assent.
of 20 provincial,
regional and national organizations from all across Canada. The
Partners in Innovation is a coalition of 20 provincial, regional and national organizations from all across Canada. The
ajority of farmers
in Canada,
and almost
allmajority
of the crop
production
across
thealmost
country.
organizations
represent
the vast
of farmers
in Canada,
and
all of the crop production across the country.
oast and from
crop‐to‐crop
arefrom
united
in support and
of amendments
to Canada’s
Plant
Coalition
members
coast‐to‐coast
from crop‐to‐crop
are united
in support of amendments to Canada’s Plant
Breeders’
Rights legislation
in Billthe
C‐18.
TheConvention
amendments
PBR with the 1991 Convention of the International
n Bill C‐18. The
amendments
will alignfound
PBR with
1991
of will
the align
International
Union
for
the
Protection
of
New
Plant
Varieties;
offer
opportunities
for
increased
ant Varieties; offer opportunities for increased investment and delivery of new varieties investment and delivery of new varieties
bothoffrom
plant and
breeders
operating
in and have
outside
of Canada;
ensure
that farmers have access to new and improved
in and outside
Canada;
ensure
that farmers
access
to newand
and
improved
varieties developed in Canada and internationally. These are essential ingredients of an agricultural sector that is
nternationally. These are essential ingredients of an agricultural sector that is
sustainable, innovative and competitive.
itive.
“Today’s announcement strikes a good balance between farmers being competitive and able to access the best varieties
ood balanceavailable
betweeninfarmers
competitive and
able to
access receiving
the best avarieties
Canada being
and internationally,
and plant
breeders
return on their investment in research and
ally, and plant
breeders said
receiving
a returnPresident
on theirof
investment
in research
and
innovation,”
Ron Bonnett,
the Canadian
Federation
of Agriculture.
ident of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture.
“The amendments will strengthen the intellectual property rights for plant breeding in Canada, in turn encouraging greater
investment
innovation
in research
variety development,"
said Barley
Council of Canada Chair Brian Otto. "We are
he intellectual
propertyand
rights
for plant
breedingand
in Canada,
in turn encouraging
greater
confident
this
increased
investment
will
ensure
better
access
to
new
and
improved
rch and variety development," said Barley Council of Canada Chair Brian Otto. "We are seed varieties, which will guarantee the
quality we need to better target our customers' needs.”
will ensure better access to new and improved seed varieties, which will guarantee the
r customers'“Legislative
needs.” amendments contained in Bill C-18 will further enhance the contribution of Canadian fresh fruit and vegetable
growers to healthy diets for Canadian families. In particular, amendment of the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act to align with
d in Bill C-18international
will further enhance
contribution
of Canadian
freshwill
fruit
and our
vegetable
standardsthe
of intellectual
property
protection
enable
horticultural producers to access new and
an families. innovative
In particular,
of the Plant
Breeders’ while
Rightsencouraging
Act to aligndomestic
with plant breeding and the development of
cropamendment
varieties developed
internationally
varieties
that can
in international
Keith
ual propertyCanadian
protection
will enable
ourcompete
horticultural
producersmarkets,”
to accesssaid
new
andKuhl, President, Canadian Horticultural Council.
d internationally while encouraging domestic plant breeding and the development of
Now that C-18 has been brought to reality, Partners in Innovation looks forward to working with the federal government on
e in international
markets,” said Keith Kuhl, President, Canadian Horticultural Council.
implementing the amendments to PBR over the next few months.
reality, Partners
in Innovation
looks forward to working
with the
Contact:
info@partnersininnovation.ca
or any member
offederal
Partnersgovernment
in Innovationon
PBR over the next few months.
Partners in Innovation is a coalition of 20 provincial, regional and national organizations from all across Canada. The
n.ca or any member
Partners
coalition of
was
foundedinbyInnovation
a group of leading Canadian farmer and agricultural organizations which joined forces to support
Canadian government legislation intended to improve Plant Breeders’ Rights in Canada.
of 20 provincial, regional and national organizations from all across Canada. The
f leading Canadian farmer and agricultural organizations which joined forces to support
tended to improve Plant Breeders’ Rights in Canada.
7
Ag Expo Recap
Once again this year, the PGA participated in Western Canada’s Premier Ag Show, Lethbridge Ag
Expo. This year we doubled our booth space, making it much easier for the booth volunteers to
discuss potatoes with Ag Expo attendees. Feedback about increasing the space from the grower
volunteers working the booth was very positive! I even had one of our veteran volunteers say
it was so much easier to have conversations with people that he wondered how we managed
before with half the space! As usual, attending Ag Expo would not have been possible without the support from our growers. We really appreciate them volunteering their time and expertise to help ensure that our booth
is a success year after year!! A HUGE thanks goes out to the following growers;
Art Hazelhoff, Albert Ypma, John Bareman, Rence Rozendaal, Ed Vandenberg, Bill Tamminga, Mike Wind, Harold Perry, Lyndon Nakamura, Alison Davie, Michael Davie, Neil Bareman, Alan Kuizenga, JP Claassen, Michiel Buijsse, Peter Kamper and Scott Gillespie. We would also like to thank the following producers for donating potato samples for the booth;
Phoenix Farms Ltd.
BPS Ltd.
Kanegawa Farms Ltd.
If people don’t get drawn to our booth by the terrific looking spuds, then the potato chips will
get them coming over, allowing our growers to chat with them about everything from planting,
Late Blight, and even cooking techniques. These discussions are what truly make our booth a
success! Every year the two potato chip processors kindly donate hundreds of bags of chips for
our growers to pass out to Ag Expo attendees. This year they donated 2000 bags together, and
they all went!! We would like to thank Pepsico- Frito-Lay and Old Dutch for their continued
generosity!
Finally we would like to thank the Government of Canada Potato Breeding Program at
the Lethbridge Research Station for the potato plants they graciously donated to our booth! What a treat is was to see potato plants in February!! Thanks so much for your continued
support of our industry!
~ Cindy Fletcher, Accounts Clerk/ Promotions
PGA Area Meetings
NORTH AREA
MARCH 24TH
6:00 PM Supper
HILTON GARDEN
INN
LEDUC
8
Spring Area Meetings take place in March.
Join us for industry updates, seed
and technical news, PGA financial report and more.
The agendas will be available closer to the date.
Watch for updates on the website,
www.albertapotatoes.ca
and in the upcoming Friday Fax.
SOUTH AREA
MARCH 26TH
7:30 AM Breakfast
HERITAGE
INN
TABER
From the Office
Do you love to cook?
We are looking for
Grower Members to
help PGA Staff develop
a “potato” cookbook for
our 50th celebration in 2016!
Please contact Cindy or Wendy at the
office if you would like to contribute
your creative ideas !
PGA Hoodies are in such hot demand
that we are putting in another order!
Both ADULTS and KID’S SIZES can be
ordered this time round.
ORDER DEADLINE DATE
Monday, March 9TH
Click here for Kid’s styles & colours
available
Zip-up
Pull-Over
or call Cindy at the office
for more info 403-223-2262
PGA Seed & Table Service Charge
invoices were mailed out last month.
REMEMBER...
The due date for the first payment
installment is MARCH 15th.
Payments can be made
by cheque or online
banking with these
financial institutions.
Gavin Maksymytz, of
Zeimak Farms, is a
BIG fan of green! He
wears a green coat
and toque, picks only
green pencils, all
because of his
favourite team, the
Green Bay Packers!
Whatever your
reason, remember to
wear green this
St. Patrick’s Day,
March 17th!
Two ways to follow us on Twitter...
Farmer Pesticide Course Date
March 11th
PGA Office 8:15 am start
Attending this course will allow you
to purchase restricted chemical such
as Thimet for potato production, and
Phostoxin for grain bin fumigation.
It also aids in obtaining the Environmental
Farm Plan, HACCP and CanadaGap
Lunch & Coffee are served.
Call the PGA Office to register.
403-223-2262
9
6008 46 Avenue
Taber, AB T1G 2B1
Phone: 403-223-2262
E-mail: pga@albertapotatoes.ca
Staff Editor:
Wendy Arnold
STORAGE REPORTS
NOW DUE!
Please contact Cindy
with your information
Text~ 403-634-1406 or
call the office
@StaffPGA
@AlbertaPotatoes
Two ways to like us on Facebook....
@Pga Staff
@Potato Growers of
Alberta
OUR
CONDOLENCES
Jennie Visser
Attention Growers!
A strong matriarch
NEW page
of a generational
REVISIONS for your Alberta seed potato
binders are available farming establishment, and advocate for
at the office. Contact feeding the hungry, passed away at the
age of 90 years on February 21st. Our
Jay 403-892-7184
thoughts and prayers go out to
for details and
Gord
& Annette Visser and family.
further info.
The PGA assumes no responsibility for any errors in the information provided, nor assumes
any liability for any damages incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use
and application of any of the contents of The Potato Minute. Unless otherwise noted on an
individual document, the PGA grants users permission to reproduce and distribute
information in the Potato Minute as long as the contents remain unaltered and as long
as it is noted that the contents have been made available by the PGA.