Government of Canada helps potato farmers boost their bottom line

February 11, 2010

GRAND FALLS, New Brunswick - The Government of Canada is helping New Brunswick potato farmers capture new markets and increase profitability by investing in a new market information database that will help producers make more informed decisions and capitalize on timely market opportunities. Member of Parliament Mike Allen (Tobique—Mactaquac) today announced up to $123, 000 for the project at the Potatoes New Brunswick Conference.
 
“Our Government continues to deliver real results for farmers and for all Canadians,” said MP Allen, on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “This project will help New Brunswick potato farmers gain a competitive edge by providing them with better crop data and market information as one step to making the industry more profitable and we hope, lay a foundation for growth of their operations.” 
 
The Potato Market Data Information Gathering and Analyses system will give farmers a stronger bargaining position with buyers by equipping them with updated, real-time information on New Brunswick’s potato acreage, potato varieties planted, storage estimates, prices and market destinations. The database is expected to be completed by March 2011.
 
The project is being led by Potatoes New Brunswick, a producer marketing organization which works with industry partners on behalf of 225 potato farmers. 
 
“Our farmers need more accurate and timelier information to better market their crop,” said Joe Brennan, Chairman of Potatoes New Brunswick. “This project will help give farmers the information they need to make better sales decisions and get better prices for their crops."
 
Canada’s Economic Action Plan (EAP) supports agriculture as a core economic driver. It focuses on strengthening the economy and securing Canada’s economic future. In addition to the EAP, the Government of Canada has put in place many other programs that help farmers and stimulate the economy such as the new adaptation program, the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). 
 
This investment is funded through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s adaptation programming, which is delivered in the province by the New Brunswick Agricultural Council.  
 
For information on new adaptation programming please see www.agr.gc.ca/caap.