The new research centre will help in creating varieties of potatoes that can resist the changing climatic conditions in Prince Edward Island, Canada
Officials of Cavendish Farms at the opening ceremony. (Credit: Cavendish Farms.)
Cavendish Farms, a food processing company, has announced the opening of its new research centre in New Annan, Prince Edward Island (PEI) in Canada.
The $12.5m research centre will support the sustainability initiatives taken up by PEI’s potato industry.
With six latest greenhouses, the new facility will allow the JD Irving subsidiary to conduct important research around the year.
At the facility, different lines of potatoes with promising traits such as higher yields, size characteristics and reduced environmental footprint specific to soil, climatic and seasonal conditions in PEI will be evaluated.
Four full-time jobs and up to 12 seasonal jobs have been created at the Cavendish Farms Research Centre.
Cavendish Farms president Robert Irving said: “This is another step to help support potato growers and the potato industry on the Island. Our goal is to help address the specific challenges faced by growers here on Prince Edward Island.”
Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King said: “Island farmers and producers have always been at the forefront of innovation and research, developing new practices to ensure they can continue to grow high-quality products that Prince Edward Island is known for.
“I commend Cavendish Farms for not only working with Island farmers towards a common goal but for also taking on a project that brings jobs to the agriculture industry and contributes to the Island economy.”
The research centre to breed potatoes suitable for changing climatic conditions in PEI
At the research centre, different potato varieties will be studied and the Plant Breeding Programme is expected to cross various combinations to breed and select a variety which is suitable for the challenging conditions faced in PEI.
Prince Edward Island Potato Board general manager Greg Donald said: “Cavendish Farms’ investment in this important research will benefit all potato growers and the entire industry. It will help ensure the sustainability of our potato crops.”