The potato industry in PEI is celebrating the second annual International Day of Potato, as proclaimed by the UN General Assembly. This year's theme "Shaping History, Feeding the Future" carries an important message about the role potatoes have played worldwide for thousands of years, and will continue to play in the future.
Looking back over the past 200 years, the forefathers of the PEI Potato industry were instrumental in growing the reputation of exporting potatoes by rail to Ontario, other parts of Canada and the U.S. Northeast, as well as vessels carrying potatoes to all corners of the world. Opening doors, taking risks and charting new territory around the world by these individuals has shaped the potato industry into what it is today.
Growing potatoes has changed considerably over the years, with advances in information and technology being the biggest catalyst. New varieties and advancing growing practices, designed to withstand climate change and pests, ensure potatoes remain a vital crop to feed the growing population. "Island farmers are on the cutting edge of research, adopting new technologies and sustainability. All to provide nutritious food to people everywhere – we grow 2.6 billion pounds of potatoes, enough to feed over 25 million people annually" says Greg Donald, general manager of the PEI Potato Board.
"As farmers look to the future, and as the industry continues to shift and new uncertainties present themselves, I am confident that the same leadership and ingenuity that brought us here will lead us into the future," says Donald Stavert, chair of the PEI Potato Board.
For more information:
Kendra Mills
Prince Edward Island Potato Board
Tel: +1 (902) 892-6551
[email protected]
www.peipotato.org
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