Beyond yield: Reframing the potato as a solar-biomass crop for a new value economy The potato industry faces increasing pressures from climate change, market expectations, and resource management, prompting a shift in success measurement from yield alone to capturing usable value per hectare.…

GB Potatoes CEO warns sector is under pressure Scott Walker, CEO of GB Potatoes, highlights that the potato industry illustrates the challenges faced by modern agriculture, emphasizing its historical importance in the UK food system. The sector has endured multiple crises, including Brexit, the…

Reducing soil, stones, and defects: Advances in potato sorting and screening Potato processing relies on consistent quality and efficiency, prompting processors to adopt advanced sorting and screening technologies. Traditional methods alone are insufficient for identifying defects and ensuring…

MSU researchers develop 5 new potato varieties to bolster US chip supply Researchers at Michigan State University have developed five new potato varieties aimed at enhancing the U.S. potato chip supply by increasing disease resistance, long-term storage, and processing reliability. Named Manistee,…

The secret behind indigenous Andeans’ ‘digestive superpower’ may be potatoes A new study reveals that ancient potato farming in the Andes significantly influenced human evolution, particularly among Indigenous populations. Researchers from UCLA and the University at Buffalo found that natural…

Spain: The potato sector is preparing for a new season marked by a reduction in cultivated area, increase in costs The potato harvest in Andalusia has decreased by 5%, roughly 10,000 hectares, due to severe storms. Despite this, yields are projected to surpass those of 2025. Marco Román from…

Irish potato market feels heat pressure as early crop nears market By Potato News Today - Based on information published by the Irish Farmers’ Association The potato market in Ireland is entering an important seasonal transition, with hot weather, irrigation pressure, early crop movement and…

International Day of Potato: Why the world’s most humble crop deserves global recognition On 30 May, the world marks International Day of Potato - a United Nations-recognised observance highlighting the crop’s vital contribution to food security, nutrition, livelihoods and sustainable agriculture.…

‘Planting the seed’: New Potatoes New Zealand partnership celebrates potatoes, people and the next generation Potatoes New Zealand has partnered with Garden to Table to promote food education on the International Day of Potato. This collaboration aims to connect young New Zealanders to their…

Could potatoes help farmers transition out of intensive animal agriculture? As The Transfarmation Project helps livestock and poultry farmers explore plant-focused futures, potatoes may offer one practical pathway for some farms seeking to transition out of intensive animal agriculture. While…

Potatoes at the Crossroads: New book explores the future of the global potato industry A new book by Potato News Today editor and publisher Lukie Pieterse examines the global potato industry at a critical turning point. Potatoes at the Crossroads: People, Climate and the Future of a Quietly…

Frozen potato consumption outlook: Updated demand view now available The frozen potato market is undergoing significant changes as growth persists amidst price, margin, and demand pressures. A recent report outlines shifting consumer behavior and regional economic impacts, revealing reduced market…

MSU potato program awarded for 2026 Technology Transfer Achievement David Douches, a distinguished professor at Michigan State University, highlights his commitment to plant breeding, particularly for potatoes, which are vital for farmers and consumers. His work includes developing the resilient…

The crop protection transition in potatoes: Why biologicals, AgTech and integrated systems are moving to the centre of the conversation The transition in potato crop protection is evolving towards an integrated model combining biologicals, chemistry, genetics, and AgTech. Expert Dr. Claude…

Japan’s Calbee resorts to black-and-white bags of potato chips as Iran war literally sucks color out of the world Calbee, Japan's largest snack maker, will change the packaging of select products to black and white due to supply disruptions caused by the Iran war. The move affects certain snacks…

Tasmanian potato farmers on edge as global pressures hit the paddock Potato grower Stuart Applebee highlighted concerns among Tasmanian growers regarding rising costs, particularly transportation fees that have increased by $50 per tonne. Simplot is reportedly considering a financial clause to…

Greenvale achieves EcoVadis silver rating, placing in top 11% globally Greenvale has earned a Silver rating from EcoVadis, recognizing its strong environmental and social responsibility performance. Ranking in the 89th percentile globally, the company excelled in Sustainable Procurement,…

AIVA Network launches to strengthen real-world validation of agtech on Canadian farms AIVA, the Agriculture Innovation, Validation and Adoption Network, has launched in Winnipeg to help Canadian farmers adopt agtech with greater confidence. Founded by FCC, EMILI, and WHIN, AIVA will test…

Potato futures record dramatic surge of more than 700 percent in less than a month Potato-linked financial contracts have recorded a dramatic surge of more than 700 percent in less than a month as global markets react to fears surrounding the ongoing Iran war and its impact on agricultural supply…

Drought pressure builds across key U.S. potato regions as 2026 season gets underway A widespread U.S. drought is adding early-season uncertainty for potato growers in several key production states, especially Idaho, Oregon, Colorado, Nebraska, Maine, Texas and Florida. While some major regions…

AVR strengthens Canadian presence with exclusive Ontario partnership AVR has appointed Farm Power Equipment Inc. as the exclusive dealer for its potato equipment in Ontario, Canada, enhancing support for local growers. This partnership promises improved local assistance, quicker parts…

The economics of value capture in potatoes: Where value is created, where it escapes, and why it matters now This article examines where value is truly created and retained in the potato sector. It argues that profitability depends not only on growing potatoes efficiently, but on capturing more…

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…