New Brunswick farmer grows low-carb potatoes
Last Updated: Friday, March 5, 2004 | 2:00 PM ET
CBC News
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- Pollution prevention success stories: Environment Canada
- Environment Canada Eco Spuds: Timber River Eco Farms
- Timber River Eco Farms Fabula potato: Canadian Food Inspection Agency
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency Organic potato performance: Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada
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Pirmin Kummer runs a mixed farm of grain, beef and hay in southeast New Brunswick, but his main product is a potato called Eco-Spud.
Potato prices are far below the break-even point, with a huge surplus of spuds on the market, according to Kummer.
He is one of many maritime farmers worried the low-carb, high-protein diet craze will destroy the potato industry.
- INDEPTH: Spud Scare
The farm started growing two low-starch varieties in the past few years, believing they were also low enough in carbs and calories to satisfy dieters.
"There's even low carb beers these days and low carb subs and whatnot so we figured there must be a low-carb potato," said Kummer.
According to lab results from the Prince Edward Island Food Technology Centre, the Adora and Fabula varieties have 25 to 30 per cent fewer carbohydrates than a traditional favourite, the Russet.
- FROM FEB. 12, 2004: Scientists seek Holy Grail for couch potatoes
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