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Manitoba introduces new legislation to expand table potato and root crop industry

The Manitoba government has introduced new legislation to help expand the provincial table potato and root crop industry. Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson stated that this new legislation is in response to growing concerns from producers, as well as marketing agency Peak of the Market, that red tape has prevented growth of the sector.

“Our province’s farmers provide nutritious, local food to Manitobans, though for years they have not had the freedom to grow and sell their table potatoes and root crops in the province,” said Johnson in a statement. “At the same time, regulations have prevented Peak of the Market from modernizing its business model to promote, sell and distribute Manitoba’s table potatoes and root crops to the world. This legislation would allow producers to grow as many table potatoes and root crops as they wish and to sell to any buyer, while paving the way for a modernized business model for Peak of the Market and strengthening our provincial economy.”

Provincial regulations and production quotas have been aimed at maintaining stable pricing in the domestic market, though the minister said many producers have found quotas too restrictive.

“This is an important development for Manitoba’s vegetable growers by contributing to the modernization of the industry. It will provide significant economic benefit to our community,” said Peter Loewen, chair, Peak of the Market, in a statement. “Growers are hard-working Manitobans who look forward to continuing to cultivate the best produce, in the most sustainable ways, to create jobs and economic growth for our province.”