Processing capacity adds acreage for local potato producers

By Justin Seward - Lethbridge Herald on September 7, 2022.

Herald photo Potato producers' volume and acreage have grown since the Cavendish processing facility opened on the city's outskirts in 2019.

The southern Alberta potato industry continues to provide many opportunities in the region.

“The potato industry continues to increase acres in southern Alberta, creating opportunities for local businesses,” said Jubs Bristow, Cavendish Farms agriculture vice president, in an email response.

Bristow said contract prices for potatoes have increased, providing a good return for growers.

With the new state-of-the art frozen potato processing facility opening on the city’s outskirts in 2019, there is an increase in volume from 247 million pounds of potatoes to nearly 700 million pounds annually.

“Which is an increase of more than 10,000 acres annually, which we previously contracted from local growers, said Bristow.

Like many other agricultural fields, the potato industry has seen its challenges.

“Challenges for the potato industry in southern Alberta include input cost inflation, supply chain issues for equipment and parts and weather risks,” said Bristow.

Bristow said growers are managing input costs by getting professional advice from agronomists for optimal application for fertilizers and tillage practices while maintaining sustainable agricultural practices.

Bristow confirmed that Cavendish Farms has not received any indication of new pests or disease from local growers.

The Lethbridge plant provides employment for nearly 300 employees and the plant spans the equivalent of over seven football fields, while there were 900 employees on site at peak construction time and 110 Alberta companies were a part of the project.

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