Canadian, U.S. Growers Pledge Cooperation

Canadian potato growers, meeting with the board of directors of United Potato Growers of America, agreed to jointly work with U.S. growers to solve overproduction and low price problems.

The historic meeting, held Thursday, August 25, in Toronto, allowed industry officials on each side of the border to consider ways they could cooperate on "cross-border" programs.

Legal counsel of United PGA and Canadian potato organizations have been working to find the best ways for the two couontries to align their efforts to improve potato markets.

U.S. growers reduced 2005 potato plantings for fresh potatoes by over 35,000 acres. Following United's lead and a meeting held with Prince Edward Island officials several months ago, PEI growers cut 9,600 acres.

Canadian growers agreed to form a steering committee with representatives from the seven provinces on hand which represent 96 percent of the potato acres grown in Canada. They will develop a formal link with United.

Canadian provinces represented included PEI, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia.