“A plantlet will generally produce 1.5 to three mini tubers per production cycle under normal greenhouse production practices,” said Terence Hochstein, technical director for the Potato Growers of Alberta. “The plantlets used in our research project have the opportunity to produce up to 10 mini tubers per production cycle.”

Mr. Hochstein is responsible for government programs, the environmental farm plan, environmental footprinting and Canada Gap-OFFS, and he spearheads research for the Alberta-based potato-grower organization.

“I’m the contact between the growers and the research community and government,” said Mr. Hochstein.

Terence Hochstein (Photo courtesy of the Potato Growers of Alberta)The aeroponics project with Alberta Agriculture is examining greenhouse production of mini tubers. Traditionally grown using hydroponics or peat pots, this project — with the help of Illinois-based NorthBright Technologies Inc. and Holland’s Vital Farms — is looking at plants suspended in a waterless and soil-less frame and provided nutrients via a patented misting system.

“From plant to harvest, we’re looking at 38-45 days depending on variety. It’s producing up to 10 20- to 25-millimeter mini tubers,” said Mr. Hochstein. “The first batch went in last fall.”

This spring the project will compare the mini tubers with traditionally produced tubers to see how they grow out and if there are any production issues.

“Right now costs can be prohibitive. The cost of production and selling is close to breaking even. If this project is successful and we can reduce the cost of production by $0.20 to $0.25 per tuber, that would allow us to be more competitive in the market,” said Mr. Hochstein.

Other work the organization is involved in includes wireworm-management strategies and the late blight program as part of the Canadian Horticulture Council’s national research projects.

“We also have several proposals in for the next round of Growing Forward and are waiting to see if they will be funded with CHC as part of the national program,” he said.

The Growing Forward II Agricultural Policy Framework is a five-year federal, provincial and territorial initiative that, according to the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada website, is focused on a profitable and innovative industry “that seizes opportunities in responding to market demands and contributes to the health and well-being of Canadians.”

When asked about the outlook of the Canadian potato industry, Mr. Hochstein echoed feedback from across the country of high supplies. “It’s very true; we do have an overabundance of potatoes in North America at this time. We as an industry will have to manage it in order for us to remain profitable. The Alberta industry is doing quite well. Our acres should be either equal to or positive compared to last year. Our growers are very cognizant of the situation and grow to contract.”

Alberta growers are seeing higher-than-average yield and try to plant accordingly.

The organization represents approximately 140 growers in Alberta, over 80 percent of which grow process potatoes that are turned into potato chips and French fries, 14 percent seed potatoes and 5 percent the fresh market.

“Our growers are in the process of entering into contract negotiation season,” said Mr. Hochstein. In February and March the Grower Negotiating Committee will meet with the processors and come up with a contract for the following year. “We’re one of the only areas in North America that does not hire a third-party mediator. It’s a positive for both parties — there’s a willingness to cooperate on both sides. They view it as a business venture,” he said.

The model has certainly been working for the potato growers of Alberta. “If processors win, growers win, and vice versa. They have been successful with that,” he said.