Potato producers across the country got a boost from the federal government, Thursday, after over $250,000 was given to potato research projects. The investment came out of the federal Agricultural Innovation Program.

The Canadian Horticulture Council received $67,000 to develop a Canadian potato strategy and identify short and long term research priorities for that industry. The strategy hopes to focus on research, innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness.

BioAtlantech also received funds in the amount of $185,000 to study the effects of mineral oil in combating Potato Virus Y; this will help to establish best practices recommendations for the future.

Linda Lowry, chief operating officer of the Food Development Centre, welcomes the investment.

“At the Food Development Centre we’re always interested in support for an industry that can add value and find new uses for Manitoba grown products. If we can find ways to produce more potatoes more efficiently and can look at value added uses for those potatoes then that’s good for the whole industry,” said Lowry.

For the full story see Monday's edition of the Portage Daily Graphic.