Ottawa, ON – October 20, 2026 – The Fruit & Vegetable Growers of Canada welcome funding from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The funding was awarded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s AgriMarketing Program in support of the Canadian Potato Industry Global Market Access and Growth Strategy project.
AgriMarketing funded projects are focused on assisting the agriculture and agri-food sector with international market diversification; growing and maintaining export markets for Canadian products or producers; and/or expanding opportunities to promote Canadian products or producers domestically.
“The Canadian Potato Council, the Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada’s national potato working group, is committed to strengthening global market access for Canadian potatoes,” said Canadian Potato Council Chair Bill Zylmans. “The funding we have received for the Canadian Potato Industry Global Market Access and Growth Strategy project will support a unified national presence through participation in international trade shows, market engagement, and targeted advocacy. The project is integral to supporting existing trade agreements and maintaining key markets, while also diversifying trade agreements, including expansion into emerging markets.”
The $198,000 contribution funding will support the participation in international activities that advance the interests of the sector.
Activities in the United States will focus on a number of key issues including improving communication and alignment across the border, fostering international collaboration among researchers, educators, and industry professionals, and advancing potato sustainability in North America. International activities in Mexico, Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia will bring together representatives with global buyers, suppliers, and service providers in emerging markets, engaging directly with potential buyers and highlighting Canadian leadership and innovation in the potato sector.
“The ability to send representatives ensures that all potato-growing provinces in Canada can explore diverse and emerging markets and showcase their unique products,” said Zylmans. “This inclusive approach not only provides equal access to international trade but also enhances Canada’s visibility and presence in this global sector.”
“Canadian potatoes are a cornerstone of our agricultural sector. Through the AgriMarketing Program, the Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada and the Canadian Potato Council will expand efforts to grow global market access and showcase the quality and innovation of Canadian potatoes to the world,” said the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
Grown coast-to-coast, potatoes are the largest vegetable crop grown in Canada. Globally, Canada produces 2% of the world’s potatoes and ranks among the top 10 exporting countries for table stock and seed potatoes. In 2024, Canadian potato growers produced approximately 5.8 million metric tons of potatoes, contributing $2.1 billion in farm cash receipts.
For further information, please contact:
Caleigh Hallink-Irwin
General Manager
Canadian Potato Council
Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada
Cell: 519-546-2481
The Canadian Potato Council (CPC) is the national potato working group of the Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC). CPC brings together provincial potato organizations from across Canada’s major producing regions to provide a unified voice for Canadian potato growers and advance shared priorities on trade, plant health, crop protection, research, and regulatory issues.
The Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC) represents growers across the country who produce more than 120 different commodities, including apples, tender fruit, grapes, berries, field vegetables, potatoes, and greenhouse-grown vegetables. FVGC is a not-for-profit national association, and, since 1922, has advocated for a competitive fruit and vegetable sector, promoting food security for all Canadians.