Features Crop Watch
Canadian potato acreage is stable despite COVID-19 estimates

Canada planted just as much potatoes in 2020 as it did in 2019, despite initial estimates that acreage would be lower due to decreased demand for potatoes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Statistics Canada released their first estimate of potato acreage in Canada on July 16. The data is based on a survey of potato growers in Canada.

Data for Quebec was unavailable to Statistics Canada because of COVID-19 delays but The United Potato Growers of Canada (UPGC) released acre estimates based on information obtained from the Quebec Potato Producers Association and Statistics Quebec.

When the information from Quebec is added to the Statistics Canada report on Canadian potato production, the data reveals that 2020 potato acreage is very close to last year. Approximately 1,375 more acres were planted in 2020 than in 2019, representing a 0.38 per cent increase.

UPGC’s update states that, given the cuts in processing volume before planting, the Canadian potato industry expected a decrease in planted acres. This wasn’t the case and potato acres managed to stay stable overall.

In 2020, total potato acreage is estimated at 363,470 acres. Canada’s potato acreage peaked at 457,500 acres in 2003.

Provincial breakdown

While overall acres remained stable, some provinces took larger hits than others.

New Brunswick planted 3,900 less acres in 2020, representing the largest decrease (7.4 per cent) seen among all the Canadian provinces.

Several other provinces saw a decrease in potato acres. Alberta planted 2,145 less acres, Prince Edward Island planted 1,000 less acres, Saskatchewan planted 300 less acres, and British Columbia planted 100 less acres.

Other provinces saw an increase in potato acres – contributing to Canada’s overall stable acreage. Quebec planted 4,297 more acres of potatoes, Ontario planted 2,473 more acres, Manitoba planted 2,000 more acres, and Nova Scotia planted 50 more acres of potatoes.

The map below represents the percentage change in acres planted in each province. You can see how Western Canada, minus the exception of New Brunswick, account for more of the potato acreage decreases. Hover your mouse over the map to see how many acres of potatoes were planted in each province in 2020.

To end the acreage update, UPGC thanked everyone for participating despite atmosphere of uncertainty due to the pandemic.

“In a year with difficult circumstances to gather data as a result of COVID-19, the diligence of both Statistics Canada to conduct the survey, and growers who took the time to respond to it, is very much appreciated,” the update read.