A months-long spud spat with Canada is hampering the ability of Washington state growers to sell last year's record crop. For at least the third time since January, provincial officials have blocked shipments of U.S. potatoes into Canada, provoking an angry response from Washington growers who are trying to empty their storage sheds before the new crop is harvested. It's definitely an issue that needs to be resolved.
Specific purchases obstructed by provincial governments are relatively small potatoes.
But Washington growers rely on free trade between the countries, especially given the recent boom of processing plants in western Canada and the glut of french fries Canada ships into the states. Most recently, the Manitoba Potato Board has denied bulk shipments of potatoes from the Northwest to Alberta and Saskatchewan, where crop failures have substantially reduced spud supplies. As a result, processors and fresh packers are clamoring for U.S. spuds. Canadian law gives preference to growers in neighboring provinces, essentially allowing them the first chance to fill potato contracts. Maple Leaf Foods, another Alberta fry producer, suffered a similar setback this winter when it tried to import Columbia Basin potatoes.