Prince Edward Island is known for its red soil, rich in iron—perfect for growing potatoes. For over a century, the P.E.I. Potato Board has supported development of the island’s spud industry. What started as a collective of growers has become a formalized producer-controlled board composed of farmers promoting P.E.I. potatoes across the globe.

Planting seeds

Dating back to when European settlers came to the island in the 1700s, there’s a long history of growing potatoes on P.E.I. The beginnings of the Potato Board date back to 1920 when a group of farmers on the island formed the Potato Growers’ Association. Greg Donald, current general manager of the P.E.I. Potato Board, suspects this group was initially formed to address common challenges in the industry. “I think they realized that working together was far more successful than apart,” he explains.

In the 1950s, the Growers Association evolved into an industry marketing collective. Following the Natural Products Marketing Act, in 1990 the organization restructured again into a producer-controlled board within the province.

 

Building roots

The P.E.I. Potato Board is managed by a Board of Directors of 12 farmers and supported by a staff of 16. To ensure representation across the province, the island is divided into three districts and a minimum of three Directors are elected in each area. Committees of farmers are also formed to focus on four major elements of the industry: Seed potatoes for growing crops, table potatoes harvested for consumption, potato processing and industry research.

Overall, the Board aims to market P.E.I. potatoes globally and work on initiatives that give the best value for farmers in the short term and support long-term industry growth. This work includes negotiating contracts with potato processors, maintaining relationships with retailers, conducting research and development, representing the trade and strengthening the P.E.I. potatoes brand.

In the early days, there were thousands of potato farms across the island and Donald said today the number is closer to 175. However, agriculture remains the number one industry on the island and potatoes are a significant portion. One potato farm can produce enough crops to feed the entire island, so virtually all spuds grown on P.E.I. leave the province.

 

Eyes on growth

The P.E.I. Potato Board has developed customer relationships for P.E.I. potatoes across Canada, the U.S. and the world. Given the size of the island, there’s limited opportunity to grow acreage of farmable land. Looking towards the future, Donald said the organization is focused on being better. This includes finding different potato varieties that better meet customer needs, improving crop yields for farmers and preserving soil quality. “We’re small, so we can do a lot of things and fast,” said Donald. “P.E.I. is very well positioned to be different and be better to ensure future success.”

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