U.S. demand for Canadian table potatoes may weaken due to the size of the U.S. crop and low domestic prices, according to a market report from the Michigan Potato Industry Commission (MPIC).
North American Potato Market News (NAPMN) forecasts Canadian growers will produce 122.2 million cwt (6.21 million tons) of potatoes in 2025, a reduction of 6.0 million cwt (0.30 million tons) or 4.7 per cent compared with 2024.
In the U.S., chip potato supplies and demand are described as balanced with limited open-market activity. Michigan growers have started storing chip potatoes. Yields for early chip potatoes have been reported as average, though solids are below average.
According to MPIC, Michigan experienced about 10 days of cool weather early in the month, which supported harvesting. Temperatures have since increased. "Crops could use some rain to improve harvest conditions and prevent pressure bruise problems in storage," MPIC stated. Forecasts indicate mid-80°F (29°C) temperatures with partly sunny skies for the next five days.
Growing conditions in Canada have varied during the past month. Prince Edward Island (PEI) and parts of New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario did not receive sufficient rainfall to finish crops. In contrast, the Prairie Provinces and British Columbia experienced mostly favorable conditions. Chip potato supplies are expected to decline in Ontario and Quebec.
"Though NAPMN does not have the exact split between potatoes for each sector, total combined production in those provinces could be down 4.7%. Supplies could also be tight in PEI and New Brunswick," MPIC reported.
Canada's table potato supplies overall are expected to decline this year. Combined production in the four major table potato-producing provinces may fall by 8.9 per cent or more, though output in the Prairie Provinces and British Columbia could increase.
Source: Potato News Today