BC potato seeding is down this spring as producers pare acreage.
The BC Vegetable Marketing Commission is reporting “a small shift out of potatoes” this spring of approximately 2%.
BC growers seeded 5,900 acres last spring and harvested 5,700 acres. This spring, just under 5,800 acres will be seeded.
“There has been a decrease in the area planted in russets, while that of whites, and yellows has increased,” the commission reported. “Early (fresh), and food service potatoes have also seen a decrease compared to 2024.”
Some of the acreage will be used for other root crops, with carrots leading the charge with a 9% increase. BC growers tended 832 acres of carrots last year, according to Statistics Canada, putting this year’s acreage on track to exceed 900 acres.
The area planted for yellow onions, parsnips, rutabagas, and white turnips has increased by 14% on average compared to last year, BC Veg adds.
“However, these areas are considerably smaller than the rest of the storage crops and potatoes,” it said.
Greenhouse crops, which represent the largest share of BC vegetable production by value, have seen significant growth among tomatoes. Tomato growing area is up 24% this year. Pepper and cucumber production is down slightly, while specialty greenhouse crops are up an average of 7%.
Greenhouse growers continue to explore the idea of their own marketing commission independent of BC Veg to address the issues specific to their sector.
A full overview of the market will be available at BC Veg’s annual general meeting, set to take place April 23 in Delta.
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