The

Potato Minute

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT - Terence HochsteinNormally when I write my monthly article for the Potato Minute, there is one or two issues that the potato industry or agriculture in general is facing. This month is a different situation, with the entire global population facing a common foe…. COVID 19 – Coronavirus.

Less than a month ago, we were in Ottawa at the Canadian Horticultural Council’s AGM. The theme of the conference was celebrating the “International Year of Plant Health”. Our focus was to continue working with all levels of government to show that the Canadian food industry is one of the safest in the world. Canadian farmers are in an enviable position, in that they have the ability to produce enough safe food to feed, not only their own country, but also enough to contribute to the rest of the world’s hungry population.

Fast forward almost a month, and the world has come to a screeching halt. People are being asked to stay home, ‘self-isolate’ to not only protect themselves, but their families, their loved ones and everyone else that they may come in contact with. Yes, the economy of the world needs to continue, and people need to work.

Our industry, now more than ever, needs to keep producing food in a safe and efficient manner. Without agriculture and all of the necessary industries that are associated with the food chain...it would take pages to list them...the global population would not survive. It’s sad to say that only a month ago we were all fixated with rail blockages, pipelines, the latest fashion trend, government cutbacks etc. Today, we are all focused on where this disease is going to strike next. It could be you, your spouse, your kids, grandkids, parents, your employees, their families, your neighbors or anyone in society. This pandemic does not care what your race, creed or place of residence is, nor is it a political ploy, as some

of our world politicians believe. It is a reset of what is important to each of us and the decisions we make moving forward.

Here in Canada, we are very fortunate to have one of the best Health Care systems in the world. It will be tested to the limit;, including our health care workers being mentally and physically tested like never before. If you know someone

that works in this industry, thank them and keep them in your thoughts and prayers. For everyone else that is deemed an essential service, you know who you are, again... thank you for what you do.

For those of us that are fortunate enough to be a part of the primary food production system, now is the time to hold your heads up high, be humble and proud of what each of us does on a daily basis. Over the next weeks and months, the things that we do on a daily basis, that we never talk

about, will be of utmost importance to help mankind move through these unprecedented times.

For those of you that are old enough to remember Paul Harvey, check out his 1978 speech at the Future Farmers of America Convention…we are all a part of that story..Until next month.

Terence403.382.8382

In This Issue:

Seed Update 2Ag Director’s Update 3Provincial News 4-5Across The Country 6-7 From The Office 8

April 1, 2020

“It is a reset of what is

important to each of us”

Well it’s been four weeks on the job so far and I can say that it is has been eventful, though not in a way that anyone could have foreseen! I don’t think that when the hiring committee stressed an ability to work independently that it was meant with such literal connotations. I was looking forward to the area meetings as an opportunity to introduce myself and connect with growers. However, since their cancellation, I have spoken with a number of seed growers over the phone and appreciate the warm welcome I have received.

This COVID-19 situation continues to be the most prominent issue going forward as it is going to have a major effect on the global economy and the potato industry. I would like to encourage all our seed

growers to be in constant contact with your customers and suppliers. Things seem to be evolving daily and communication will be key to ensure operations continue to run smooth.

Deb Hart and I are currently working remotely as CDCN is maintaining a skeleton staff on site and has asked all staff who are able to work from home to do so. Please know that we are still in close contact and are monitoring the current situation and how it will affect our Seed Growers. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.CFIA COVID-19 Update

The PGA continues to be in close contact with CFIA as the COVID-19 situation continues to unfold. CFIA has suspended all low risk activities and are prioritizing the efforts of staff on activities which are “critical to the safety of food, as well as animal and plant health”. For our seed growers, these prioritized efforts include inspection services, export certification, as well as, supporting laboratory diagnostics.

While maintaining the health and well-being of its staff is CFIA’s top priority, they also recognize that maintaining its staffing levels is critical in maintaining timely services for our industry. Thereby all CFIA employees have been given strict

COVID-19 protocols to follow when entering farm sites for inspection. They also stressed the importance of growers to follow on farm health protocols, not only to protect the health of visiting inspectors, but also to maintain the health of our vital farm staff for the upcoming growing season.

The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council has developed some guidelines for farms to follow in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: https://cahrc-ccrha.ca/programs/emerging-agriworkforce-issues/information-and-updates-coronavirus-covid-19

AAFC COVID-19 UpdateAAFC is communicating directly with industry groups on a bi-weekly basis as well

as updating their website daily in order to keep everyone informed on the continuous changes happening within the Agricultural industry. Maintaining food production across Canada has been identified as an ESSENTIAL need and they are working diligently to identify and support the critical infrastructure needed to maintain food production.

AAFC is monitoring global supply chains. As of now, most borders remain open to the movement of goods but this could change as the COVID-19 situation develops. AAFC has a strong commitment to collaborating, especially with the US, to ensure the cross border movement of goods remains intact. This also applies to the sourcing of necessary inputs for the upcoming growing season.

Industry groups, like the PGA and the CHC, have successfully advocated for the reinstatement of the Temporary Foreign Workers program. AAFC is working on the details of how this will work considering the current travel restrictions in place from the many countries involved. We do, however

SEED COORDINATOR UPDATE- Stacey Bajema

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Northbank Potato Farms shipping

know that any TFW’s arriving on your farm will have to be quarantined from the rest of your farm staff for the full 14-day quarantine period. The PGA has provided several updates and will continue to communicate more details as they become available.

AAFC will also be posting COVID-19 updates regularly on their website: http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-information-for-industry/?id=1584732749543

Canadian Horticultural Council AGM

The CHC held it’s annual AGM in Ottawa from March 10-12. The meeting was well attended, and the provinces were well represented as the COVID-19 was only in the beginning stages of development.

CFIA updated the CPC group on the status of its programs across the country. They reviewed the process for new variety registrations, the development of the Plant Breeders’ Rights Database and the upcoming release of the new CFIA digital platform.

PMRA shared the results of their review and consultations of the current pesticide re-evaluation process and they hope that their new approach will increase efficiency and effectiveness.

Minister Bibeau was able to address the group and made an announcement that the government was pledging an additional 2.3million dollars towards the Potato Early Die Network project. This is in addition to the 7.6million dollars already pledged across seven potato specific research projects!

The CHC also highlighted the process of succession facing many of our operations and the need to build leadership among our younger generation. They would like to encourage participation of young growers in the CHC’s meetings and working groups. If there are any younger members of the PGA that may be interested in seeing what is being done to advocate for our industry at a national level, please let us know!

stacey@albertapotatoes.ca780.916.1766

GETTING READY FOR ANOTHER GROWING SEASONThis growing season has started off as being more challenging than normal, to say the least, given what is happening in the world around us with Covid 19, and the resulting necessary disruptions to our daily lives. I never imagined that I would be encouraged to, and in many cases legally required to be, socially distanced from my friends, neighbors, colleagues and the membership that I serve. How quickly things have changed for us, within the last few weeks. Adapting to this “new normal” is challenging for everyone. Nothing seems normal about it.

Fortunately we all have the tools to help us cope with this “new normal.” We all have phones, the internet and the ability to have things shipped to us. It is a little more challenging to get everything done this way, but a necessary precaution as we all do our part to help flatten the curve.

All of the PGA staff is also trying to do their part, in working remotely and doing the best they can to maintain social distancing. As we go into this spring, I will be traveling throughout the country, as I normally do to monitor the progress of seeding, and to monitor the germination and emergence of the new potato crop. I will not be stopping into any farm or coming near anyone working in the fields until it is safe to do so. If you do see me out cruising around the country we can just honk and wave, for now.

The PGA is committed to doing its part to maintain the disease reporting services to the best of our ability. The weather stations will be deployed and the PAM Cast reports will be available daily, as in previous years. We are also committed to ensuring that the Insect Monitoring Program and the Late Blight Spore trapping programs also run, as normal.

Also, if you do have any issues regarding your current CanadaGAP certificate, especially if it is due to the fact that you have not been able to get an audit due to Covid 19, please give me a call. I have had a number of conversations with CanadaGAP personnel and with the audit body, and I will do my best to help.

I believe that all of us are doing the best we can, given these unique times, and we will get through it just fine. As always, take the time to work safely.

Please feel free to call or email me anytime, as I am here to help as best I can.

thomas@albertapotatoes.ca403 892-7184

AGRICULTURAL DIRECTOR - Thomas McDade

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‘Common sense’ isn’t an alternative to communicationNever stop talking about dangers and safe practices, says safety-minded Alberta producer

By Jeff Melchior, Alberta Farmer Express, March 16, 2020

PROVINCIAL NEWS

A farm, particularly during a busy season, is at best barely controlled chaos, with vehicles, equipment, employees and even kids all competing for the same farmyard real estate.

So how do you bring order to that chaos and keep everyone safe? Ask Hanneke Camps and she’ll tell you communication is the key.

Although everyone talks about the importance of communication, Hanneke and Michel Camps — who run a potato, wheat, sugar beet and grain corn operation near the southern Alberta community of Barnwell — have truly taken it to heart.This has meant a change in management style from a traditional top-down model to something more lateral.

“I find that the biggest thing that’s changed on our farm is that everybody can talk about (farm safety),” she said. “It’s a team effort. If anybody sees something unsafe or sees somebody do something unsafe, then anyone can call each other on that.

“I think in the old days (farm management) was kind of, ‘You go to work and you listen.’ I think that has changed. Like any business you do it together with your employees; it’s not just my husband and I who make it all work. We need our employees; we need good help to make ourselves profitable.”

A personal challenge

It’s safe to say that Camps knows a thing or two about farm safety. The couple built their farm safety program in 2017 with the help of the organization that would become AgSafe Alberta. However, Hanneke — who serves on AgSafe’s board — wasn’t satisfied with just having a safety plan; she wanted to put it to the test. She did so by receiving her Certificate of Recognition (COR).

A requirement in many industries but not for agriculture, COR certification requires regular auditing of an employer’s health and safety management system to ensure it meets provincial standards established by Occupational Health and Safety.

“We don’t have to be COR certified as a farm. It was more by choice — finding out what we could achieve,” she said.

She let her COR expire this year but noted that AgSafe Alberta is considering developing a more ag-focused certification program.

Managing ‘common sense’The Camps’ employee safety training has evolved over time.

They started with, and continue to hold, approximately hour-long training sessions in the spring before seeding and again in the fall before harvest using AgSafe videos to help explain safety procedures and expectations to employees. Seasonal workers are walked through the farm’s emergency stops.

This training has become more responsive to new situations, said Camps, with safety concerns tackled as necessary during coffee breaks or other downtimes.

“It’s become more of an ongoing training program — instead of having one big session one time, we will have a training session every time we get new people,” she said. “Then we might have one a few days later again for more new employees.

“This past year I built a small PowerPoint presentation. It’s made it much easier. We talk about farm safety and food safety — which is important on our potato end — and then they have a little questionnaire to fill out. With that they sign off that they actually did the safety training.”Read full story

Safety training has become a passion for Hanneke Camps — and it’s a process that’s continually evolving, she says. Photo: Asim Overstand/ATB

PROVINCIAL NEWS

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Early this year, government consulted with farmers, industry and key partners in the agricultural sector. From that engagement, there was a consensus that farmers, in collaboration with others involved in research, are best positioned to determine agricultural research priorities.

RDAR’s structure takes the best parts of previous research models, such as Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA) and Alberta Crop Industry Development Fund (ACIDF), as it ensures research reflects the priorities of farmers and ranchers. It is imperative that agriculture research in Alberta achieves outcomes that can be applied in the field and on the ranch.

A regionally reflective advisory board will assist the interim board with important projects to ensure value, profitability and areas of focus.

“We will make sure farmers direct research priorities. RDAR will ensure Alberta’s agriculture industry has more financial flexibility and autonomy to fund longer-term projects. Governments shouldn’t force ideology on research priorities – research priorities should be determined by industry. Research can be a massive springboard for economic growth and, with the right focus, RDAR can achieve that for Alberta’s farmers and ranchers.”

-Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry

An interim board and CEO has been put in place to establish RDAR. Research funding will begin flowing by September 2020 and achieve full operational capacity by March 2021. Through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, $2 million in grant funding will be provided this year to support initial operations, which will allow RDAR to begin focusing on priority research right away.

“We know a new system needs to be established with the voices of producers strongly considered and driving research initiatives while working in a collaborative environment with scientists and others. This new model will ensure predictable, long-term funding. We’re looking forward to working with our partners to make that a reality.”

-Dr. David Chalack, interim board chair, Results Driven Agriculture Research

In January, Agriculture and Forestry conducted 17 farmer-led research engagement sessions across Alberta

650 people attended in-person sessions

1,422 people completed an online survey

In Budget 2020, government maintained agriculture research funding at $37 million.

Post-secondary institutions will be provided funds to carry out priority agricultural research projects.

Source: alberta.ca

ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Crop and Market Update April 1,2020

The Canadian Potato Market had been marching along at an excellent pace until the events of Covid-19 began changing the dynamics at the end of the second week of March.

Initially, the fresh side of the industry saw rapid sales increases as consumers began to stockpile potatoes for an extended period of time at home. Many packers were barely able to keep up with emptying store shelves.

Initially, sales of processed potatoes such as French fries saw an increase as well, as people frequented fast casual establishments and quick service restaurants. However, in recent days we have seen sales to food service drop off with the closure of seating areas in restaurants as governments promote stay at home isolations.

At press time, French fry manufacturers have been advising their growers that their future supply needs have been changing as we move further into the isolation and closure period. Some potatoes that had been earmarked for French fries will likely be channelled into the table market for fresh consumption.

Our fresh market has been in a good supply situation, relative to demand, as indicated by positive pricing. Given a shorter fresh supply last year, there is room to incorporate some product into this end market use.

UPGC is currently working with each province to determine the volume of potatoes that are likely to become available, so customers will be aware of the situation and the transition can occur without disrupting the market. UPGC also communicates frequently with the United Potato Growers of America, as the same processing companies operate plants on each side of the border, and similar events are happening there.

One part of our industry positively affected by the Covid-19 pandemic has been the chip industry. Sales have been good as consumers have continued to purchase their favorite “stay at home” snack and comfort food.

-Kevin MacIsaac, General Manager UPGC6

PROVINCIAL NEWS

In recent weeks, Albertans’ buying patterns have changed, and our food supply chain has responded. Government is in constant contact with industry partners and is monitoring the situation closely and ready to respond.

“Food is essential and we are in constant contact with our food suppliers and we will do whatever it takes to keep them open. I want to assure all Albertans that our food supply will remain safe, secure and accessible. Albertans are tough and resilient, and together, we will get through this.” - Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry

Government is focused on maintaining our stable food supply system. To date, the focus is on maintaining an open trade relationship between the Canada and the United States for movement of essential goods across the border.

Government is also working with our federal and provincial partners to maintain functioning rail service, ports and commercial trucking systems within Canada and across North America to enable the movement of essential goods.

More information on the novel coronavirus and Alberta can be found at alberta.ca/COVID19.

A lbe r ta ’s food supp ly s y s tem rema ins s t rongGovernment and industry are working together to ensure Albertans continue to have access to safe, affordable food as the COVID-19 response continues.

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ACROSS THE COUNTRY

FCC lending capacity increases by $5B to alleviate industry financial pressure

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) has received an enhancement to its capital base that will allow for an additional $5 billion in lending capacity, Marie-Claude Bibeau, minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced today.

Minister Bibeau’s announcement follows Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement earlier today outlining more details on the Government of Canada’s plan to support the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. In that announcement, the government made a solid commitment to the agriculture and food industry to ensure producers, agribusinesses and food processors continue to have access to necessary capital at this challenging time.

“Farmers and producers work hard to put food on tables across our country, and they should not have to worry about being able to afford their loan payments or having enough money to support their own families,” the Prime Minister said. “We are taking action now to give them more flexibility to meet the challenges ahead.”“Like many Canadians, I am truly grateful for our farmers and food business owners and employees, who continue working hard so we all have quality food on our grocery store shelves and kitchen tables. Their continued work is essential to our plan to manage COVID-19,” Minister Bibeau said. “The measures announced today will provide farmers and food producers across the country with important financial flexibility they will need during these challenging times.”

“If you are a producer concerned about having the cash flow required to plant your crop, or you are a food processor feeling the impact of a lost sale due to the financial downturn, FCC is here to support you in these uncertain economic times,” said Michael Hoffort, FCC president and CEO. “It’s in times like these that we are reminded how important Canadian producers and food processors are to our nation and to feeding the world.”

Hoffort adds that FCC will use its resources to find solutions that offer the best chance for recovery going forward so the industry emerges stronger. Initially, the focus will be on assisting the industry in addressing cash flow challenges so that businesses can remain focused on business-critical functions rather than worrying about how to access funds to keep operating through this difficult time.

“Supporting the industry will also take strong collaboration between banks, credit unions, FCC and other financial institutions,” said Hoffort. “FCC has served as a strong and stable industry presence for more than 60 years, and this current situation is no different. We will be working in partnership with other financial providers to offer the solutions needed by the agriculture and food industry to take on the challenges ahead.”

As part of its ongoing support efforts, FCC also is asking existing customers who have cash flow or other financial concerns to contact the organization to discuss alternatives, such as loan payment deferrals and products available to assist with cash flow needs.

“Each business’ financial situation is unique, so there may be a combination of options considered,” Hoffort said. “The bottom line is that FCC is being supported by our shareholder to play a bigger role in supporting the success of the Canadian agriculture and food industry across Canada. The sooner we can discuss potential challenges, the more options we have.”

Customers facing financial pressure are encouraged to contact their FCC relationship manager or the FCC Customer Service Centre at 1-888-332-3301 to discuss their individual situation and options.

For more information, visit:

https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/knowledge/covid-19-financial-assistance-for-producers-and-agribusiness.html

Source: fcc-fac.ca

ACROSS THE COUNTRY

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Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau spoke to growers at the Canadian Horticultural Council AGM on March 11 in Ottawa and announced a federal investment of more than $2.3 million to support the Canadian Horticultural Council’s research into managing the Potato Early Dying (PED) disease. The horticulture sector contributed an additional $991,918 towards this research, for a total investment of more than $3.3 million. The purpose of the project is to provide potato growers with the knowledge, tools and technologies they need to manage Potato Early Dying, which results in premature aging, limiting potato yield by as much as 50 per cent. As part of the project, the Canadian Horticultural Council will survey potato fields to determine levels of PED and evaluate the control of PED through growers’ cropping systems, best management practices and control products. With this new funding, the federal government has invested a total of $13.8 million in Canada’s horticulture research cluster, which is giving farmers cutting-edge technologies and practices for better pest management, better handling of produce, and improved soil health. The research cluster is also developing new sustainable practices to reduce the environmental footprint as well as new crop varieties to keep our growers competitive. “CHC is thrilled about this additional funding, which reinforces our valued partnership with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada on its AgriScience Cluster Program, which now has a total value of more than $20 million dollars,” says Brian Gilroy, president, CHC. “Today’s announcement of funding for the Canadian Potato Early Dying Network project will act as an important support for the Canadian potato industry. Altogether, AAFC’s Cluster program is helping to ensure Canadian farmers can continue to grow fruits and vegetables of the highest quality, while supporting the sector’s competitiveness in an ever-changing world.” Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada March 11, 2020 news release/Karen Davidson

FUNDING FOR EARLY POTATO DYING COMPLEX

L-R: Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau ( Canadian Minister of Agriculture), Rebecca Lee, (CHC Executive Director), Brian Gilroy (CHC Chairman), Bill Zylman (Chairman -Canadian Potato Council)

FROM THE OFFICE

The PGA assumes no responsibility for any errors in the information provided, nor assumes any liability for any damages incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of The Potato Minute. Unless otherwise noted on an individual document, the PGA grants users permission to reproduce and distribute information in the Potato Minute as long as the contents remain unaltered and it is noted that the contents have been made available and approved by the PGA.

Staff Editor: Deb Brewin

PGA Office:6008-46 Ave. Taber, AB T1G 2B1

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Tuesday, November 17, 2020

●Seed Grower Business Meeting●Technical Session●APIA Tradeshow

●WELCOME RECEPTION NEW

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

●All Grower Business Meeting●Conference Opening/Keynote Speaker

●Technical Session●APIA Tradeshow

●PGA BANQUET & ENTERTAINMENT

Thursday, November 19, 2020

●All Grower Business Meeting●Technical Session●APIA Tradeshow

●Conference Closing Speaker●Lunch & all Awards/Draws

NEWWe hope you will amend your hotel room

reservations to allow you and your guests to join us

for this new schedule.

To book your room, call

1-800-662-7197

Watch for more information on speaker lineups coming

soon!NEW

To all our PGA Family and Friends.

Stay healthy & safe...cherish time with your loved ones!