As French Fry Demand Diminishes, Potato Acres Expected To Drop

Manitoba potato growers are feeling the impact of COVID-19.

 

Dan Sawatzky is Manager of Keystone Potato Producers Association.

 

"Acreage will be down this year," he said. "An estimate might be in that 67,000 range, which is similar to a couple years back. We are seeing demand for fries diminishing, certainly with the COVID-19 virus, people are staying home more and a lot of our product goes through quick service restaurants and even the sit down restaurants, and they're all closed. Obviously, we're seeing a real shutdown of a lot of that market."

 

Sawatzky says they are seeing an increase in retail fry sales, however it's small compared to the loss at restaurants.

 

He's hoping to see a rebound in 2020, as roughly 12,000 acres of potatoes were left unharvested last fall.

Video: White Mold in Winter Canola | Timing, Treatment & Taking Control | Pioneer Agronomy

White mold can be one of the most damaging diseases in winter canola, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be.

In this video, Pioneer field agronomist Greg Pfeffer breaks down what to watch for, when to act, and how to stay ahead of infection. From early spring green-up to the critical 25% flowering stage, learn why timing is everything and how a preventative mindset can protect your yield.

This video also discusses fungicide strategies, including why multiple modes of action like Group 3, 7, and 11 offer the strongest defense. If you’re growing canola or considering it, this is your practical guide to smarter disease control in the field.