Prairie provinces find produce niches

Although wheat is Alberta’s top crop, the province is also a major potato producer. Accounting for more than 19 percent of total production, Alberta ranked third in Canadian potato potatoes in 2017, after Prince Edward Island and Manitoba.

Home to 137 fruit growers and 174 vegetable farms, the province provides plenty of variety—from onions, carrots, cabbage, sweet corn, beets, peas, and pumpkins to Saskatoon berries (also known as “serviceberries” in the United States and closely related to apples), strawberries, and raspberries.

“Sales remain strong for Alberta-grown staples such as potatoes, onions, carrots, and cabbage,” said Roy Hinchey, CEO of Thomas Fresh Inc. in Calgary, AB. “This year, we saw an increase in demand for squash and Brussels sprouts.”

He adds that many Alberta growers, like elsewhere, are exploring new varieties and commodities.

“Local fruits and vegetables are plentiful in Western Canada during the warmer months with growers expanding and diversifying crops based on consumer trends,” Hinchey says. “Our close proximity to these local growers allows Thomas Fresh to distribute fresh product on a timely basis.”

Some Alberta produce businesses have seen an uptick in demand for berries and lettuce.

“Berries and packaged salads are our top two categories, and we have seen an abundance of innovation in the salad category over the past couple years,” said Brian Lewis, produce director for Federated Co-Operatives Limited in Calgary. “We plan to capitalize on this trend.”

While Manitoba’s primary crops are wheat and barley, the province’s southern and western regions are well known for potato production. With more than 80,000 acres of potatoes, the province accounted for just over a fifth of Canada’s total potato production in 2017, second only to Prince Edward Island.

Manitoba growers also harvest a number of field vegetables including carrots, onions, cabbage, cauliflower, sweet corn, and broccoli. Total farm gate value for Manitoba-grown vegetables rose to nearly $22 million in 2017.

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