New Research Chair in Potato Science at University of Lethbridge
LETHBRIDGE – There’s a new Research Chair in Potato Science at the University of Lethbridge.
Dr. Dmytro Yevtushenko has studied potatoes for 25 years, and brings his expertise to the position for the next five years through a $1-million investment from the Potato Growers of Alberta, as well as McCain Foods, Lamb Weston, and Cavendish Farms.
He will be working on a number of research projects addressing the needs of the Potato Growers of Alberta including the development of new varieties with improved disease resistance.
Potatoes are a very large part of the provincial economy. Yevtushenko points out the climate in Alberta is very favourable for growing potatoes with lots of sunshine, relatively cool nights, and low humidity, along with well developed irrigation infrastructure, resulting in high quality potatoes. He points out the potato industry in Alberta is worth about $1-billion annually.