Even further north than the Faroes, Icelanders are also able to grow potatoes even as far north as Akureyri at 65.40 degrees north latitude. The climate is similar to that of the Faroe Islands with a narrow annual temperature range. Summers are cool and short with near-to-below freezing monthly minimum temperatures from October to April (Figure 9). However, the day-light hours are incredibly long up to 22.5) during the growing season. At these northern latitudes weather can seriously damage crops as it did during a frost in 2015 (https://icelandmag.is/article/early-frost-damages-potato-crops-north-iceland). Potatoes however are an important component of Icelandic agricultural production. Between 2000 and 2019 Icelanders grew from 6000-14240 tons of potatoes per year with typical yield in the 8000-9000 ton range (https://www.tilasto.com/en/topic/geography-and-agriculture/crop/potatoes/potatoes-production-quantity/Iceland). Poor years such as 2013 are associated with poor weather. We will connect with potato growers in that country particularly those growing them for home use. This year our trials include an Icelandic red heritage potato known as Raudar Islenskar (https://www.europotato.org/varieties/view/Raudar%20Islenskar-E)
At these northern latitudes weather can seriously damage crops as it did during a frost in 2015 (https://icelandmag.is/article/early-frost-damages-potato-crops-north-iceland). Potatoes however are an important component of Icelandic agricultural production. Between 2000 and 2019 Icelanders grew from 6000-14240 tons of potatoes per year with typical yield in the 8000-9000 ton range (https://www.tilasto.com/en/topic/geography-and-agriculture/crop/potatoes/potatoes-production-quantity/Iceland). Poor years such as 2013 are associated with poor weather. We will connect with potato growers in that country particularly those growing them for home use.
This year our trials include an Icelandic red heritage potato known as Raudar Islenskar (https://www.europotato.org/varieties/view/Raudar%20Islenskar-E). This red-skinned, white-fleshed potato is a prolific producer and has exceptional storage qualities. We are excited to see how it fares with our growers across Canada.