Statistics Canada released the 2026 seeded potato acreage report on July 17, showing that Alberta continues to expand once again, up five per cent from 80,000 acres to an historic 86,000 acres in 2026. Due to crop rotations and access to irrigation in southern Alberta, growers also produce large volumes with averages that range from 380 to 425 cwt/acre.
Victoria Stamper, general manager, United Potato Growers of Canada, provides insight to the statistics. She says that McCain Foods did not utilize as much Alberta crop as planned from the 2025-2026 season, but the company is now reported to be running at capacity at its new Coaldale plant with expectations that more processing crop will be required for the upcoming season.
In North America overall, supply has outstripped processing demand. Contracts were down in dollars and volumes for the 2026-2027 season. There is added pressure on profitability due to rising costs for fertilizer and diesel. That means the 2026 potato crop is the most expensive ever planted.
Each Canadian province has their own reasons for reduced plantings. British Columbia recorded amazing yields in 2025, so due to oversupply, growers trimmed plantings. Seed acres declined as well.
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