The rise of the Canadian dollar to $.71 cents [to the U.S. dollar] is a concern to some in the industry north of the border.
If the Canadian dollar increases to $.80, that will start to raise concerns, according to Prince Edward Island agriculture officials.
The good news is that Canadians can purchase U.S. equipment and fertilizer less expensively.
The bad news is producers selling to the U.S. are paid in American dollars, which are worth less on a daily basis. Also, producers have to compete for shelf space with American-produced potatoes that are decreasing in price.
Canadian growers also point out that there has been an increase in electrical rates and the price of fuel keeps rising.