When you think of growing potatoes in Canada, Prince Edward Island might spring to mind. The “it takes an island” campaign launched in 2017 is a brilliant piece of marketing and PEI produces way more potatoes per capita than any other province.

But did you know that Alberta has become Canada’s largest potato producer?

PEI held the top spot for many years, but Manitoba and Alberta have recently overtaken it.

Alberta’s production this year was actually down 6% from an all-time high in 2023, but still accounted for 24% of Canada’s potato production by weight followed by Manitoba at 22% and PEI at 20%.

While production has been pretty steady over the years in PEI, it has shot up in Alberta by 39% compared to five years ago.

Alberta is also home to major potato processing operations. According to the Potato Growers of Alberta, there are three major frozen processing plants in the province (Lamb Weston-ConAgra, McCain Foods and Cavendish Farms) and two large potato chip processing plants (Pepsico-Frito Lay and Old Dutch). McCain announced last year that it is spending $600 million to double the output of its facility near Coaldale.

Adding to the growing, processing and selling chain is a large amount of potato exports to other countries.

Last year, Alberta exported a record $854 million worth of potatoes and potato products—double the amount sold five years earlier. PEI did edge Alberta out in this regard at 26% ($913 million) of total Canadian potato and potato product exports last year versus 25% ($854 million).

Answer to the previous trivia question: Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

Today’s trivia question: As 2024 slides into our collective rearview mirror, our trivia questions from today until December 20 look back at the most important economic trends of the year. Enjoy our 12 Days of Economic Trivia for 2024. Housing affordability is a major concern across Canada, including in Alberta’s two biggest cities. On average, how much more expensive is a home in Calgary than one in Edmonton? A) $57,000 B) $90,000 C) $181,000 or D) $204,000?