Canadian potatoes growing in Guatemalan Highlands
Ambassador Hugues Rousseau participated in a visit organized by the Commercial Section to learn more about the potatoes grown in the northern department of Quetzaltenango (in Xela as it is known to the Guatemalans). This is the most recent harvest of potatoes in Guatemala…and these potatoes are special as the Canadian seed used was selected for this type of field, taking into account details of temperature and humidity.
Paulino de la Cruz, a local farmer that has worked in Xela for more than 10 years, serves as liaison with Frito Lay, an international company that buys the majority of the harvest from this small group of farmers.
During his trip, Ambassador Rousseau visited the municipality of la Esperanza, where he met the Gonzalez family. They have been planting potatoes for decades now. The Gonzalez brothers proudly explained the process to grow potatoes, showing how their harvest is unique with respect to size, shape and color.
photo 1: Fields with potatoes
Photo 2: Delegation with Farmers
Photo 3: Same shape and color of potatoes
The fields were covered with yellow bags full of potatoes, ready to be taken over to the Frito Lay warehouse, where the produce will be checked for quality, color and purity. The González family, like many others in this isolated community, has been able to improve their living conditions thanks to the steady income provided by the potato harvest. Additionally, they are becoming experts in the matter and whole families are involved in the business, as is the case with the family of Mr. Marco Antonio Domínguez. In this beautiful land these people are now the experts on Canadian potatoes grown in Guatemala.
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