Beyond the plate: Why potatoes may be one of agriculture’s most underestimated future crops Potatoes have long been valued as a dependable global food crop, but their future may reach far beyond traditional fresh and processed markets. As consumer expectations, climate pressures, and new…

Tasmanian potato price negotiations clouded by fuel uncertainty Tasmanian potato growers are negotiating prices for the 2026/27 crop amidst concerns about diesel supply. Premier Jeremy Rockliff recently confirmed stable fuel supplies but emphasized the need for farmers' involvement in contingency…

Celebrating the birthday of Potatoes New Zealand: ‘Reflecting on our past, standing with growers for the future’ Potatoes New Zealand celebrates its anniversary on April 17, reflecting on its journey since 2012 as an advocate for the country's potato growers amid industry challenges. The…

Higher yield, lower costs and better quality: PEF for potato chip production Join Elea's webinar on April 20 to explore Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) technology for optimizing potato chip processing in the Americas. Elea, a leader in PEF systems, will showcase how their technology can enhance yield,…

Urschel to debut Little Gem Aspire Dicer at major global food processing trade shows in 2026 Urschel will unveil the Little Gem Aspire Dicer, a cutting-edge machine for fruit and vegetable processing, at several upcoming trade shows starting in May 2026. This innovative dicer, developed by the…

‘Potato risk management more important than ever’ Potato production in the UK faces significant risks due to weather volatility and reduced farming subsidies, as discussed in a recent GB Potatoes webinar. Experts highlighted the importance of innovative risk management strategies, such as…

The Crop Protection Transition: From Chemicals to Biologicals Powered by AgTech The agricultural sector is shifting from chemical reliance to biological solutions enhanced by AgTech, amidst significant restructuring among major chemical companies. Biological crop-protection solutions are gaining…

LOCKWOOD names PGS Equipment as new potato equipment dealer for Alberta and surrounding region PGS Equipment, Ltd. has become the authorized dealer for LOCKWOOD potato equipment in Alberta, focusing on sales, parts, and service. Chris Laaveg, LOCKWOOD Sales Manager, emphasized PGS's commitment to…

Bord Bia: Social media ‘influencing growing interest in potatoes’ in Ireland Social media and digital food trends are significantly boosting interest in potatoes, says Bord Bia's horticulture team. Trends like loaded jacket potatoes and cheese-stuffed sweet potatoes have gained traction among…

New industry organisation ‘Potatoes Tasmania’ established Potatoes Tasmania has appointed Rob Salmon as general manager, enhancing support for the potato industry in Tasmania. As the harvest season begins, growers are optimistic about improved productivity and sustainability. John Casswell,…

In potatoes, ag tech’s next big payoff may be efficiency – not yield alone As the potato sector faces tighter margins, climate pressure, and stricter quality demands, the strongest return from ag technology may increasingly come from efficiency rather than yield alone. Precision irrigation, better…

Targeted virus testing set to modernise Scotland’s seed potato industry Scotland's plant health authorities are implementing targeted post-harvest virus testing for the Cara seed potato variety to manage rising virus levels and modernize plant health inspections. David Kenyon from Sasa highlights…

Potatoes on the moon? Oregon State University scientists show it could work Researchers at Oregon State University have demonstrated that potatoes can grow in lunar regolith, with minimal compost required for decent harvests. While pure moon dirt severely stunted growth, adding just 5% compost…

EUROPLANT ‘drives market-oriented potato varieties across Europe’ EUROPLANT showcases its innovative capabilities by turning advanced breeding results into successful market launches through collaboration across its European teams. Notable varieties include CORINNA and MONIQUE, which excel in the…

After IFE 2026, Warnez and The Potato Chef leave a clear message: convenience now drives potato value At IFE 2026 in London, Belgian potato suppliers Warnez and The Potato Chef highlighted the industry's shift towards convenience, differentiation, and practical formats for modern consumers. They…

Food Northwest Process & Packaging Expo to feature Urschel and KRONEN processing solutions Join Urschel at the Food Northwest Process & Packaging Expo in Portland, Oregon, on April 20-21, 2026. Visit Booth 402 to explore cutting-edge solutions like the Sprint 2 Dicer, KRONEN GS 10-2 Slicer, and…

America’s 250th kicks off with 250,000 Idaho potatoes in record-breaking display In celebration of the U.S. 250th birthday, the Idaho Potato Commission and County Fair Foods revealed the world's largest Idaho® potato display, featuring 250,000 potatoes, symbolizing America's agricultural legacy.…

G7 crisis talks put potato industry on alert as Middle East war drives up energy, fertilizer, and freight risks A virtual G7 meeting on March 30 underscored that the Middle East war is now a direct threat to energy markets, inflation, and global supply chains. For the potato industry, the…

Canada: GLP-1 drugs, changing eating habits could have consequences for Prince Edward Island’s potato industry Prince Edward Island potato farmers are facing a challenge as they prepare to plant for 2026, driven not by weather or fertilizer costs but by changing consumer behavior due to the…

Black Gold Farms plants potatoes in Washington for National Agriculture Day Black Gold Farms participated in the Farm Journal Foundation's Voice of the Farmer Garden event on National Agriculture Day in Washington. Chairman Gregg Halverson and family members joined industry leaders to plant seed…

Minimizing damage in potato handling: Lessons from grain handling systems Effective potato handling requires meticulous system design and operating practices to minimize mechanical injuries. By adopting strategies from grain handling, such as controlled drop heights, gentle conveying, and adequate…

UNECE seed potato standard facilitates trade and supports increased productivity in potato value chains The UNECE Specialized Section on Standardization of Seed Potatoes addresses global food system pressures by improving seed potato certification, which is vital for preventing pests and diseases.…

Middle East war raises the stakes for potato growers as fertilizer, fuel, and freight pressures intensify Since Potato News Today first reported on the Middle East war’s agricultural implications on March 14, the disruption has become more severe. Fertilizer trade through Hormuz has tightened,…

What humane farming has to do with the future of the potato industry Although potatoes are not part of animal agriculture, the potato industry increasingly operates within the same food-system frameworks shaped by animal welfare, sustainability, and responsible sourcing. Companies such as…

Red River Valley growers warn H-2A delays could disrupt 2026 potato season Potato growers in Minnesota and North Dakota are warning that delays in H-2A visa processing could disrupt 2026 planting in the Red River Valley. Regional reports say some South African workers cannot secure interview…

‘U.S. agriculture is in a very difficult spot’ – National Potato Council CEO The U.S. potato industry is seeking economic relief and better market access as growers contend with rising costs and uncertainty, similar to the 1980s farm crisis. National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles highlighted the…

NASA astronaut really did grow a purple potato on the International Space Station – but the story needs context A viral image shared widely online does indeed appear to show a purple potato grown aboard the International Space Station by NASA astronaut Don Pettit. The strongest confirmation comes…

Home comforts win out as majority of Brits prefer sofa to socialising New research indicates that 62% of Britons now prefer nights in over going out, with older adults being less inclined to stay home. Women (64%) favor staying in more than men (59%). Many find joy in simple pleasures like easy…

Making trade easier: Export opportunities for Canadian fresh potatoes to Mexico The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has agreed with Mexico’s SENASICA to facilitate the export of Canadian potatoes to Mexico, enhancing market opportunities for the Canadian potato sector. This agreement, part…

Choosing the best spiral roller for your Evolution Separator The Evolution Separator by Scotts Precision Manufacturing features spiral rollers essential for effectively separating soil, stones, clods, and haulm from crops. The rollers operate with varying aggressiveness levels tailored to…

Elea launches new video highlighting real‑world PEF benefits Elea Technology GmbH has launched a new video interview featuring Tomislav Lukačević, Investment Director at Kanaan d.o.o., highlighting their partnership and the advantages of Elea Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) technology in potato chip…

New UI Extension curriculum highlights Idaho’s iconic potatoes Harold B. Lee Elementary School third graders gave answers ranging from accurate to far-fetched in response to University of Idaho Extension 4-H Youth Development Coordinator Cherie Carter’s question: “Where do potatoes come from?”…

European potato market under pressure: Potato prices fall below zero The European potato market faces a significant surplus, leading to growers incurring disposal costs as demand weakens due to competition from Asia and unfavorable tariffs. High yields from 2025 have resulted in excess stocks,…

New specialist reference work launched for the global potato sector: The Global Potato Industry Dictionary now available The Global Potato Industry Dictionary is now available in softcover / ebook as a new specialist reference for the global potato sector. Compiled by Potato News Today editor…

War in the Middle East casts a growing shadow over potato farmers worldwide Disruption linked to the current war in the Middle East is beginning to affect potato farming worldwide through higher fertilizer prices, tighter supply, and rising energy and freight costs. Because potatoes are sensitive…

Discover Urschel cutting solutions for high-capacity food processing at ProPak Vietnam Join Urschel at ProPak Vietnam from March 31 to April 2, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center, showcasing the Sprint 2 Dicer with Conveyor and the MicroAdjustable SL-14 Cutting Head. These…

Elea introduces the new PEF Advantage C 2000‑600: Setting a new benchmark in large‑caliber crop processing Elea Technology GmbH introduces the PEF Advantage C 2000-600, a high-throughput system designed for industrial processing of large crops like sugar beet and potatoes. With a 600 × 600 mm…

Registration opens for EAPR 2026 Warsaw meeting as organizers invite potato scientists and students Registration and abstract submission are now open for the joint EAPR Agronomy & Physiology and Post Harvest meeting, to be held June 16 - 19, 2026, in Warsaw, Poland. Organizers say the meeting will…

International Women’s Day: Honouring the women who have shaped, sustained, and strengthened the global potato industry As the world marked International Women’s Day on March 8, the potato industry has strong reason to pause and recognize the vast contribution women have made - and continue to make…

Fast-food value compared: NetCredit study ranks burgers and fries across 14 U.S. chains A new NetCredit study compares standard cheeseburgers and fries at 14 major U.S. fast-food chains and finds that value depends on more than menu price alone. Using patty and fries weights, published nutrition…

Rebalancing Europe’s potato market: Will 2026 bring a managed ‘middle ground’ – or a risky overcorrection? Europe’s potato market appears to be moving into a correction phase after clear oversupply in 2025/26, with planted area now the key variable for 2026/27. The most likely outcome is a managed…

FPS Food Process Solutions partners with Quality Engineered Solutions to strengthen global utilities expertise FPS Food Process Solutions (FPS) has partnered with Quality Engineered Solutions (QES) to enhance its portfolio by focusing on utilities-driven services. QES, with over 25 years of…

Prepare your Scotts machinery for a strong season ahead As spring approaches, it's essential to review and service Scotts machinery to prevent downtime and ensure readiness for the upcoming busy season. During this transitional period, common wear on parts can be addressed through visual and…

Lockwood Manufacturing now directly importing Struik equipment Lockwood Manufacturing celebrates its 25-year partnership with Struik, a leading Dutch manufacturer of rotary cultivators. By directly importing from Struik, Lockwood aims to cut freight costs and enhance savings for customers. Struik…

Solynta and EW GROUP reach major funding agreement to boost Hybrid True Potato Seed commercialization Dutch hybrid potato breeder Solynta has secured major growth funding, with a majority stake acquisition by EW Group. This partnership aims to double global potato yields while reducing land use…

EuroBlight releases first 2025 late blight genotype snapshot: EU36 still leads as EU46 expands across more countries EuroBlight has released its first monitoring results for the 2025 potato season, based on more than 1,200 genotyped Phytophthora infestans samples. EU36 remains the dominant…

Sustainable spuds: Lower-carbon potatoes hit Britain’s shelves as Branston partners with Tesco on net-zero project A pioneering low carbon concept farm in Lincolnshire has grown its first crop of sustainable Georgina potatoes, set to hit Tesco stores this week, in collaboration with Branston.…

Harvesting innovation: The role of agri-tech in modern potato farming Agriculture is evolving with advanced technology, particularly in the potato industry, where precision is crucial due to crop sensitivity. AI-driven robotics enhance harvesting by adapting to real-time conditions, thereby…

Europe’s potato reality check: Surplus pressure, export competition, and the 2026 pivot Europe’s potato sector in early 2026 is under clear surplus pressure, but the impact is uneven. Contracted potatoes have cushioned many growers while free-buy volumes face harsh spot-market realities in…

University of Idaho researcher finds overestimation in potato farmers’ water consumption estimates Research from the University of Idaho suggests that current models overestimate water consumption in Idaho potato fields during peak irrigation by up to 40%. Assistant professor Meetpal Kukal…