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SPUDSMART.COM SUMMER 20158 Production Projections Statistic Canadas potato acreage estimates are similar to last year but a strong start in most provinces has growers feeling optimistic. BY JIM TIMLICK FAVOURABLE CONDITIONS in most growing regions this spring a dip in the value of the Canadian dollar and some increases in processing contracts have potato producers across the country feeling optimistic about the 2015 season. Statistic Canadas production estimates for 2015 released on July 17 show the total planted acreage in Canada as 349005 acres. Overall this represents an increase of 1465 acres from 2014 a 0.4 per cent rise. Contributing to the slight increase is a bump up in some processing contracts especially in Manitoba where the planted potato acreage is up 4000 acres from last year. The fact that processing companies and french fry producers have given additional volume to some provinces is largely due to where the Canadian dollar is today compared to a year ago says Kevin MacIsaac general manager of United Potato Growers of Canada. Its more profitable running those plants harder in Canada than it is for those same companies to run them in the U.S. MacIsaac told Spud Smart in June. It the Canadian dollar has a big effect. Companies have the ability to shift the processing of raw product back and forth and they certainly look and see which factories are the most efficient and profitable for them to run. MacIsaac said its too early to tell what impact the lower Canadian dollar will have on shipments to the U.S. but added there is potential for export growth. Canadian exports to the U.S. tend to depend on how much the Americans ship to other countries especially in the Asian market. The flow of U.S. potatoes to Asia was slowed last year due to the West Coast port strike but could increase this year now that the issue has been resolved MacIsaac said. MacIsaac noted its difficult at this time to pinpoint prices for this season. He added that as of mid-June prices in Western Canada were right about where they should be while prices Potatoes being planted at Zeimak Farms just outside Taber Alta. in early May. PHOTO JAY ANDERSON PGA.