Major cash crop

The potato industry pumps well over $1 billion into the P.E.I. economy, a new study concludes.

The study, prepared by the Department of Agriculture and Land, shows the industry contributes $1.3 billion annually to the province, and supports more than 5,000 fulltime equivalent jobs.

Research carried out by Dr. Ziad Ghaith, an economist in the department’s policy division, underlined the importance of this single crop to the people of the Prince Edward Island.

“Most Islanders have a sense that the potato is our most important crop, but I felt we should have solid numbers,” said Ghaith.

“It’s astonishing just how vital potato farming and processing are to our economy and how much they contribute to the tax base in this province.”

Agriculture and Land Minister Bloyce Thompson said the study shows the importance of potatoes as a single crop but also the opportunity for economic growth.

“Potato farmers do great work to not only support this industry but to create wealth that benefits the whole province,’’ said Thompson.

“I want to work with farmers to get the most value we can from our potato crop and, hopefully, to help the agriculture industry develop other crops that can provide similar benefits to our community.

Greg Donald, general manager of the Prince Edward Island Potato Board, said beyond the impacts on farms, packing sheds and processors, it is enlightening to demonstrate how the potato industry generates jobs and significant economic activity in the province’s retail and service sectors.