Stats Canada reported that Canadian growers planted a total of 395,176 acres of potatoes in 2026. That is 1,946 acres less than they planted last year, a 0.5% reduction. In the Maritime Provinces, growers in PEI planted 3,600 less acres to potatoes, while growers in New Brunswick reduced their planted area by 1,400 acres. The reported planted area in Quebec increased by 1,204 acres, while acreage fell by 315 acres in Ontario. In the Prairie Provinces, Manitoba growers planted 1,600 fewer acres to potatoes, while Alberta growers increased acreage by 4,240 acres. Saskatchewan’s planted area was down 200 acres. Growers in British Columbia also planted 200 acres less than they did last year.
The U.S. exported 6.25 million cwt of potatoes and potato products (raw product equivalent) during May. That exceeded year-earlier shipments by 340,000 cwt, or 5.8%. reduced dehydrated product exports were offset by an increase in potato chip, frozen product, and fresh potato shipments. This year’s May potato exports are down 1.3%, relative to the three-year average volume. The May export growth follows a 4.3% reduction in April and a 13.3% downturn during March.
U.S. packers shipped 1.475 million cwt of table potatoes during the week ending July 18. That is down from 1.528 million cwt shipped a year earlier. Michigan packers shipped 73,750 cwt during the week ending July 18. That is down from 43,974 cwt shipped during the same week in 2025. Last week’s reported Michigan shipments were 98.2% russets and 1.8% yellow potatoes.
Wisconsin packers are selling size A russet potatoes in 10-pound bags for mostly $9 per 50-pound bale, up from $7.50-$10 per 50-pound bale last week. They are selling russet 40-70 count cartons for mostly $17 per 50-pound box, up from $15-$17 per 50-pound box a week ago. The weighted average shipping point price for Idaho Russet Burbanks is $14.21 per cwt, up from $13.51 per cwt the previous week.
— This report was compiled by North American Potato Market News (NAPMN) for the Michigan Potato Industry Commission