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GROWING HEALTHY POTATOES TOGETHER
The Potato minute
November & December,
2012 Issue
Executive Director’s UPDATE
Your Annual General
Meeting went very well
this year. We had
record attendance and
all went off without a
hitch. It was well
organized by the PGA
staff - Patti, Cindy, Deb,
Wendy and Terrance.
Thanks to them, the
event was extremely
productive for everyone.
Even the weather
co-operated this year!
Also, a very special
thank you needs to go
to the APIA, who
worked very hard with
us to make your AGM
the perfect venue for
all things “Potatoes”.
For those of you who received the email
from the PGA regarding the
Environmental Footprinting questionnaire,
if you plan on participating please
submit the information back to Terence no
later than December 20th. If you have any
questions, please contact
Terence@albertapotatoes.ca
403-223-2262
Now it’s time to start
thinking of the future.
A very important
aspect of the winter is
negotiations for the
2013 crop. The negotiating
team has to be
very aware of supplies
here in our province,
consumption and of
course supplies everywhere
that will affect
our market. Right now
we are still in an
oversupply situation
throughout North
America. It would be
helpful to the negotiating
team for everyone
to give us their best
estimates for what is in
storage and what it
looks like will be
shipped for the rest of
the year–now through
August. If it is different
than the harvested
report, please call us.
Remember this stays
extremely confidential,
but would be helpful to
your negotiating team.
Christmas is just around
the corner as is the New
Year of 2013. I want to
wish everyone involved
in the Alberta potato
business a happy and
memorable holiday
season and that the
New Year is a prosperous
one for all.
Helmut Leili
Inside this issue:
Biosecurity Standard Update 2
Upcoming events 3
McCain Top Ten / PHT 4
From the Office 5
Aeroponics Open House 6
CHC Container Sizes 7
Chops & Crops 8
Sponsors & AGM Highlights 9/10
Aeroponics Open House
Monday, Dec 10th @ Noon
CDC South, Brooks
PGA OFFICE CLOSED
Monday Dec 24 -
Jan 1, 2013.
Reopening Jan 2nd
Potato Expo- Caesar’s
Palace - Las Vegas
Jan 9 - 11th
University of Idaho Potato
Conference, Pocatello,
Jan 22 - 24
Manitoba Potato Days
Brandon, Jan. 23-24
Washington Oregon Potato
Conference, Kennewick,
Jan. 29-31
UPGC “United Potato
Partner’s” Lethbridge Feb. 6th
Check out the PGA website
www.albertapotatoes.ca
For ongoing updates

2 T HE P O T A T O M I N U T E
National Potato Standard Released
by Trudy Kelly Forsythe Source: FCC News Online - Nov 23, 2012
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency introduced its latest biosecurity standard earlier
this month. The new standard gives the country's potato producers an opportunity to
strengthen their defences against pests and disease on farm.
The National Farm-Level Biosecurity Standard for Potato Growers is designed to
minimize or prevent and control the introduction and spread of major plant pests and
diseases in the potato industry. It is based on three primary themes:
farm property management
farm operational management
plant health management
"Under Growing Forward, funding was provided to the CFIA for the period of 2009 to
2013 to develop national farm-level biosecurity standards and producer guidance
documents for at least six priority commodities," says Suzi Beck, Media Relations
Co-ordinator with the CFIA.
She explains that a national biosecurity standard is a voluntary tool offering a
consistent national approach to farm-level biosecurity.
"The biosecurity standard and supporting documents can be used by the producer to
develop their own, farm-specific biosecurity plans," Beck says.
The standards are developed in partnership with industry, with input by an advisory
council consisting of producers, national and provincial industry associations, academia
and provincial and federal government representatives.
The Canadian Potato Council was heavily involved in the development of the standard
for potato growers and is pleased with the outcome.
"This excellent tool will allow producers better control of the destiny of their farms,"
says Keith Kuhl, Chairman of the Canadian Potato Council. "Each farm is unique and
this gives them the whole process so they can develop their own unique step-by-step
guide."
The CFIA has already released national on-farm biosecurity standards for the Canadian
beef and avian industries. It's now working with the bee, dairy, sheep, goat, mink and
grains and oilseeds industries to develop biosecurity standards.
"The development of the standards and guidelines is well advanced and final products
are anticipated by the end of March 2013," Beck says. "The Canadian Swine Health
Board has engaged in a separate process to develop the National Swine Farm-Level
Biosecurity Standard for Canadian swine producers.
"The CFIA has reviewed the standard and believes it meets the criteria for a National
Agri-Commodity Biosecurity Standard."
A copy of the National Farm-Level Biosecurity Standard for Potato Growers is available
on the CFIA website.

3
T HE P O T A T O M I N U T E
The Bayer CropScience -
United Potato Partners
sponsorship is one that
f u r t h e r s s u s t a i n a b l e
agriculture and fosters a
strong world food supply.
Bayer CropScience, an
international crop science
company, is a main presenter
at United Potato Partner
seminars being held in
major potato growing
regions, including our area
in February.
Plan to attend this informative seminar being
held at the LETHBRIDGE LODGE in
Lethbridge on Feb 6th, 2013. The event starts
at 9:00 am, includes lunch and the day will
wind up around 3pm. Open to Industry and
all Growers. We hope
to see you there!
Please call or email the
office to register
403-223-2262, pga@albertapotatoes.ca or
visit our website.
POTATO EXPO is the
largest conference and
tradeshow for the potato
industry held in North
America. The EXPO
promotes communication
and coordination among
all segments of the industry, serves to
strengthen the ability of growers to succeed in
the domestic and global potato marketplace,
and provides a practical platform for discussion
about potato production, processing and
marketing. Find out more on their website,
potato-expo.com
Caesar’s Palace - Las Vegas, Nevada
The PGA will be represented again at this
year’s Trade Show, held in conjunction with
this event. As Deb and Terence are unable to
attend this year, we have solicited the help of
the Growers who are attending to help Cindy
answer questions in the booth. We have a
couple of spots still open. Please call Deb
at 780-722-9395 if you can help us out.
2012 - 2013 Seed Committee
At the recent Potato Growers of Alberta Seed Committee Business Meeting held in Red Deer, the following
growers were appointed to the Committee:
Jan Vermué, (re-appointed) Chair, West Edmonton Seed Potatoes (2002) Ltd., Stony Plain
Bruce Chedzoy, Chedzoy Farms/Tubertech Ent., Gibbons
Jeff Ekkel, Sunnycrest Seed Potatoes Inc., Lacombe
Jake Hoogland, Hoogland Farms, Millet
Tony Kirkland, Sandhills Seed Potatoes Ltd., Spruce Grove
Gord Visser, Norbest Farms, Edmonton
Please contact any one of the above growers with any seed-related questions, issues or suggestions.
Congratulations Gentlemen!

4 T HE P O T A T O M I N U T E
McCain Foods Announces it’s
Top Ten Alberta Potato Growers for 2011-12
1. Claasen Farms Ltd. Louis Claasen (2 nd time winner)
2. Stiekema Farms Ltd. Laus Stiekema (5 th time winner)
3. Herman Meurs Herman Meurs (2 nd time winner)
4. Lane Lievaart Farms Ltd. Lane Lievaart (7 th time winner)
5. Boston Farms Ltd. Tony Bos (9 th time winner)
6. S-Scan Farms Ltd. Stan & Stuart Kanegawa (5 th time winner)
7. IMO Farms Ltd. Kevin & Darren Tashiro
& Bobby Okuma
(4 th time winner)
8. Prairieview Seed Potato Bill & Luc Delanoy,
Seed Potatoes Ann Zelik (6 th time winner)
9. SLM Spud Farms Ltd. Louis, Lyle, Lloyd,
& Dale Ypma
(5 th time winner)
10. Grand Forks Farms Ltd Jake Rozendaal (4 th time winner)
Environmental Grower Award ~ Lane Lievaart Farms Ltd.
This is the only the second year this award has been given out.
CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE PGA!
Post Harvest Test Update
The samples arrived in Honolulu on Sunday, November 18th in good condition with sprouting
visible on most samples. They were planted on Monday, November 26th and irrigation began the
next day. Jeff Ekkel from Sunnycrest Seed Potatoes, assisted with the planting. Updates will be
provided to the growers who submitted samples when they become available.
Inspections will begin right after the New Year, and the project will be completed by July 11th.
If anyone is in Hawaii at that time and would like to visit the plot, please contact me in advance by
calling 780-722-9395 and I will provide directions. Deb Hart ~ PGA Seed Coordinator

5
T HE P O T A T O M I N U T E
FROM THE OFFICE...
PGA Service Charge Invoices
for Table and Seed Growers
December 14th is the mail out date for
service charge invoices, also known as
levies or check offs.
These invoices will apply to both fresh
potatoes charged at $22/harvested acre,
and certified seed potatoes, charged at
$30/harvested acre.
As a reminder, these service charges can
to be paid in three installments, with due
dates of;
February 15th
April 15th
June 15th
You may also pay the total amount, which
will appear on your first invoice, if you
prefer.
Please ensure your fees are paid on time
to avoid any penalty charges.
It has been a very busy year here
at the PGA, with many changes!
Normally at this time, the staff
would be planning an Open House
for December, to celebrate the
holiday spirit with the Board,
Growers and Industry Associates.
This year we have opted to use this money
instead to “give back” to those in our
communities. On behalf of the PGA members,
we have donated to three organizations across
our Province who focus on helping children who
are too sick to go home for Christmas, or who’s
families are less fortunate than ours. We thank
you for your support throughout the year and
look forward to serving you in 2013!
YEAR END SR&ED LETTERS
For your farm YEAR END, you will require the
Scientific Research & Experimental Development
(SR&ED) letter from the PGA in order to claim
investment tax credits. While the letter will give
you the percentage (%) of levies paid that went
towards government approved research projects,
this will only reflect up to the end of July, 2012,
the PGA’s year end. This will not be a true tally
of what you paid if your fiscal year end differs
from ours’. This letter is mailed out in early
December, and includes the total levies you paid
from Aug 1, 2011 to July 31, 2012, but this may
still mean some extra time spent by your
accountant to figure out your true total. And we
all know, time is money!
We can provide you or your Accountant with the
exact amount of research levies you paid in
your fiscal year very quickly. So when you are
preparing for your year end, do not hesitate to
contact Wendy or Cindy at the office, provide
your year end date and we will do the rest!
GREENHOUSE LEVIES ARE PAST DUE!
If you have not submitted your
Greenhouse service fees yet, we ask that
submit the form and payment BEFORE
YEAR END. Forms can be downloaded
from our website by going to the
Membership category,
click on to Licenses &
Fees, and scroll to the bottom
to find the Greenhouse
Service Charge
form. Please note the
due date of Sept. 30th !!
The PGA Office will be closed from December 24 - January 1st for
the holidays. We will reopen on Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013
THE PGA STAFF & BOARD OF DIRECTORS WISH
EVERYONE A SAFE & HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON

6 T HE P O T A T O M I N U T E
The Future of Mini Tuber Production
Aeroponics Open House
Monday, Dec 10th, 2012 CDC South,
Brooks Research Station 12 - 4 PM
Lunch followed by Greenhouse tours and
discussions with the equipment
manufacturers.
VITAL FARMS and HORTICOOP will be on
hand to showcase their equipment.
ALL growers and interested parties are
invited to attend to see where your PGA
Research dollars are being invested.
If you plan on attending, please contact
Terence@albertapotatoes.ca or call the
office (403) 223-2262 so Michele may plan
numbers for lunch!

7 T HE P O T A T O M I N U T E
Canadian Horticulture Council Message
on Container Sizes
OTTAWA, November 22, 2012: The Canadian
Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is proposing
to eliminate current restrictions that limit the
size of containers for certain foods. These
restrictions provide no food safety benefit.
Proposed changes would enhance consumer
choice and provide greater consistency across
the food industry as the vast majority of food
products have no container and packaging
size requirements.
Over the past several months, the CFIA
undertook discussions with industry on the
decision to remove container size restrictions.
Certain sectors identified their readiness to
move forward with proposed changes in the
immediate to medium term. Other groups,
such as the processing sector, noted that
additional time would be needed to adapt.
To validate this feedback, the CFIA plans to
launch a formal consultation in 2013 as part
of the standard regulatory amendment
process. Proposed changes, which will include
a flexible implementation time frame of up to
five years, as well as a detailed assessment
of potential impacts, will be posted on the
Canada Gazette website.
Until the regulatory process concludes, the
current regulations will remain in force. CFIA
compliance and enforcement activities will
continue. In addition, Ministerial Exemptions
and Test Market Authorizations related to
container sizes will continue to be
administered.
The proposed removal of these restrictions
will give consumers greater selection and
allow industry to take full advantage of new
packaging innovation, formats and
technologies. As they can do now, consumers
will continue to be able to compare prices and
the CFIA will continue to enforce specific
Canadian labelling requirements, such as
bilingualism and weight.
Canada has a strong reputation for
high-quality, safe food products, and for
producing products that buyers want, here
and around the world. Increased consumer
demand, new product development, and
expanding international trade provide
additional opportunities for the sector. The
CFIA will continue to work with industry to
help them remain competitive and innovative.
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/processed -
products/labelling-and-packaging/containersizes/eng/1353621089533/1353621169021
DENMARK TO ABOLISH TAX ON HIGH FAT FOODS
The Danish government has said it intends to abolish a tax on foods which are high in
saturated fats. The measure, introduced a little over a year ago, was believed to be
the world's first so-called "fat tax". Foods containing more than 2.3% saturated
fat - including dairy, produce, meat and processed foods - were subject to the
surcharge. But authorities said the tax had inflated food prices and put Danish jobs
at risk. The Danish tax ministry said it was also cancelling its plans to introduce a
tax on sugar, the AFP news agency reports. The ministry said one of the effects of
the fat tax was that some Danes had begun crossing the border into Germany to
stock up on food there.
Source: BBC

8
T HE P O T A T O M I N U T E
By Cindy Fletcher - Accounts Clerk /Promotions Coordinator
When Premier Redford appointed her new cabinet back in
May, many people wanted an opportunity to get to meet the
new Ministers, specifically the Ag Minister Honorable
Verlyn Olsen. So, representatives from Alberta Pork, Lamb,
Barley, Canola, Wheat, and the Sugar Beet, Pulse and Potato
Growers formed a committee, and the idea of a “Chops and
Crops” reception was born. I was excited to be given the
opportunity to represent the Potato Growers on this
planning committee.
Our first conference call was held in early September and
the planning quickly took off from there. We decided to
hold the reception on November 20 th at the Matrix Hotel in
Edmonton. The location and date were strategically chosen
as the hotel was just blocks away from the Alberta
Legislature, and it would take place during the fall sitting of
the House.
The idea was not just to meet the Cabinet, but to make
connections with them, and to share some key messages
about the importance of Agriculture in our province. The key
messages that were consistent throughout the
organizing committee’s industry groups were;
Agriculture Groups share common interests, and by
working together with each other and partnering with all
levels of government, we can move forward with a
shared vision, and meet the growing demand for our
products.
Agriculture contributes $3 billion dollars and 70,000
jobs to our province, and with the global population
growing, if managed properly, there is enormous potential
for agricultural growth and its benefit to Alberta.
Agriculture provides safe, nutritious food for our
province, and the many export markets we serve, and is
also the cornerstone of health and well – being.
A guest list of about 300 people was made up, including
Ministers, MLA’s and their Staff, Deputy Ministers, Assistant
Deputy Ministers as well as Agriculture and Rural Development
staff and selected industry contacts. Each producer
group brought pop up banners and submitted photos of their
industry for power points that would run throughout the
evening to showcase our producers and their products.
Members of our committee also met with chefs from the
Matrix to plan a menu featuring products made specifically
from the organizations hosting the event. You will be happy
to know I successfully lobbied for more “potato presence”
after seeing the menu and feeling as though we were not
being represented well enough through the dishes the chefs
were preparing!!
The reception fell during a week of “marathon” sessions at
the Legislature- the one the night of the reception lasting
more than17 hours- not finishing until almost noon the next
day. These gruelling sessions had an effect on the attendance,
and ultimately, the overall success of our event. Several
MLA’s, including Honorable Verlyn Olsen were able to make
appearances though, with the AG Minister even giving a
speech, and spending time mingling with the crowd. I had
one man say to me that “the Ag Minister was so busy talking
to all the potato guys that I had to have the Deputy Minister
interrupt so I could meet him” so I’m sure there were some
conversations started, or networking opportunities taken
advantage of by our Board. These conversations themselves
equate to a certain level of success as they were the sole
intent of the reception.
Overall, the evening could have had better government
representation, but I hope there were connections made
there that will serve the PGA long into the future.

9
T HE P O T A T O M I N U T E
Thank you to the 2012 potato conference sponsors
This event would not be possible without your Generous support!
The PGA assumes no responsibility for any errors in the information provided, nor
assumes any liability for any damages incurred as a consequence, directly or
indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of The Potato Minute.
Unless otherwise noted on an individual document, the PGA grants users permission
to reproduce and distribute information in the Potato Minute as long as the
contents remain unaltered and as long as it is noted that the contents have been
made available by the PGA.
6008 46 Avenue Taber, AB T1G 2B1
Phone: 403-223-2262 Fax: 403-223-2268
pga@albertapotatoes.ca www.albertapotatoes.ca

10
2012 Alberta
Potato Conference
& Trade Show
Thanks to the PGA staff who worked very hard to organize the PGA Annual Potato
Conference and to the APIA for their hard work on the trade show. Please
send us your comments on what you liked and what wasn’t that great. We appreciate
your feedback. It was a very successful conference, and we’d like to
keep our attendance up! We are committed to work even harder next year to
bring you another great conference. See you all next year at the
Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary Nov 19-21st, 2013!
GROWING HEALTHY POTATOES
TOGETHER