P.E.I.’s Potato Crop Rebounded. Did a Grocery Price Fall?

Prince Edward Island potato growers have most of a stronger crop harvested. About 95 percent of this season’s potatoes are out of the fields, and the P.E.I. Potato Board says yields are trending above average after last year’s drought.

CBC reported the update on November 1. Research specialist Ryan Barrett said the Island is probably trending toward one of its best crops after steady rain and low disease. He called last year the worst crop in 25 years or more. Statistics Canada figures in the report show 2025 net farm income fell about 34 percent, from roughly $108.6 million in 2024 to about $71.5 million.

The rebound is not a complete harvest or a published grocery price. Barrett estimates more than 600 hectares will stay unharvested after 70 to 150 millimetres of rain over the Labour Day weekend left rot in parts of some fields. Growers planted about 33,900 hectares, below the usual 34,400. Processing-contract volume was slightly reduced. Barrett said sales look strong and processing demand is steady, even as China and India expand french-fry output.

No U.S. or Canadian shelf price was published with the harvest tally.

Could this rebound lower a potato price this week? No shelf-price cut was announced. The November 1 report shows a stronger Island harvest, not a new grocery price.