Kummer Makes Canada's Top 10 List
Canadian Potato Business magazine ranks Pirmin Kummer number 5 in the industry's list of the Top 10 Most Influential People in Canada. Krummer, owner of Timber River Eco-Farms and producer of Eco-Spuds stands among industry leaders such as the CEO of McCain Foods Ltd, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and the CEO of Humpty Dumpty Snack Foods Inc.
Canadian Potato Business magazine's first-ever ranking of the most influential people in the industry recognizes those who have made the strongest contribution to the importance of the potato in Canada. These standings were determined based on a combination of reader input and our the magazine's examination of the potato industry over the past year.
Following is the article from Canadian Potato Business magazine, Fall 2004 issue.
No. 5
Pirmin Kummer,
Owner, Timber River Eco Farms
Key influence: an innovator at a time when the industry is hurting from unfavourable
trends.
While a great source of vitamin C, fibre and potassium, the potato has been given a rough ride over the past year by--among other culprits--those counting carbohydrates.
There is however at least one Canadian grower looking to fight fire with fire. Kummer made news early in 2004, after announcing that he had a potential Holy Grail in the war against low-carb eating.
Kummer had been growing two varieties, Fabula and Adora, which are less starchy than other commonly grown potatoes. Predicting the lower starch content would also mean the varieties were lower in carbohydrates, he set out to conduct independent research. Results from the March study showed that the varieties were some 30 per cent lower in carbs than the common Russet Burbank. Whether or not the fallout from Atkins continues over the coming months, these findings prove fascinating.
Kummer's potatoes, sold under the Eco-Spuds banner, are also grown without the aid of chemical seed treatments or herbicides, of note in light of growing consumer interest in organic produce. Eco-Spuds are available at Sobeys grocery stores in New Brunswick and should see distribution westward in the coming months.
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