A new report from the Potato Growers of Alberta is highlighting the significance of the sector in the province, July 5, 2023. (Photo: Andreyyalansky19 | Dreamstime.com)

By David Opinko/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Alberta’s potato industry worth $2.87 billion: report

Jul 4, 2023 | 4:44 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A new report is highlighting the significance of potatoes to Alberta’s economy.

Titled, “The Alberta Potato Industry; Growing Success in 2022,” the Potato Growers of Alberta (PGA) says the sector is experiencing strong growth.

PGA chair James Bareman said he is pleased to have an accurate assessment of the industry’s contribution to the economy, adding that he is delighted with the results.

“The industry could not have grown to this scale without the goodwill and collaboration of all parties – growers, processors, packers, the service sector, the scientific community, and governments. PGA warmly thanks all involved for their excellent contribution to growing our industry into the largest potato sector in Canada,” said Bareman.

The growth, processing, and shipping of potatoes and potato products in Alberta contributed $2.87 billion to the Canadian economy in 2022.

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The potato industry employed 9,390 people in Alberta in full-time positions with a total labour income of $662 million. Tax revenues exceeded $87 million.

The report states, “High levels of agricultural productivity and paired value-add processing and packing lead to significant contribution to Alberta and Canada’s economies. Planned growth will expand this impact with new jobs added throughout the industry’s value chain.”

Potato production in western Canada has nearly doubled over the last four decades. in 1980, according to the report, approximately 76 per cent of potato production was done in eastern Canada with just 24 coming from the west. As of 2022, however, provinces to the west of Ontario contributed 46 per cent of the country’s spud output.

The full report can be accessed on the Potato Growers of Alberta website.