The Canadian government has secured export agreement for Alberta seed potatoes to Thailand.

After Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, Alberta has now become the third Canadian province to get market access for seed potatoes in Thailand. Both Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick had secured export agreements in 2009.

The three provinces constitute around 76% of Canada’s seed potato exports.

Canada Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay, P.C., M.P. said: “Our government is committed to seeking market access opportunities across the globe to strengthen our bilateral trade relationships, put more money in the pockets of Canadian farmers, and grow the middle class in Canada.”

According to industry estimates, the seed potato exports from Alberta to Thailand could be worth around $2m annually. Overall, Canada's earns about $5m per year on a average from seed potato exports to Thailand.

The increased access is expected to advance the competitiveness of the Canada's seed potato sector. Last year, Alberta produced more than 128,000 metric tonnes of seed potatoes.

The potato industry in Alberta on a whole contributes over $1bn to the Canadian economy every year. Canada is considered to be the fifth largest seed potato exporter in the world. 

Potato Growers of Alberta Seed Potato coordinator Deb Hart said: "The Potato Growers of Alberta are pleased to have worked with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada and Alberta Agriculture and Forestry to profile our seed industry to Thailand officials and to receive approval to export seed to their country.

"Alberta has a very innovative and progressive seed potato industry and is looking forward to the opportunity to grow low virus, high quality seed varieties requested by the Thai potato industry."