Aardappelketen from Canada

Global warming is accelerating, threatening potato production through heat, drought, pests, and storage challenges. Climate-smart farming, resilient varieties, and improved irrigation are essential to protect future yields and quality.

Researchers in Prince Edward Island are testing cattle grazing before potato planting to improve soil health, reduce costs and support sustainable farming. Early results show no yield loss or higher emissions as researchers study long-term benefits.

Renaissance BioScience has secured Genome BC funding to develop a yeast-based RNAi biopesticide targeting wireworms. The project aims to extend the company's RNAi platform to soil-dwelling pests, offering a potential new tool for potato growers.

Cellar Insights launched the Rotten Potato Data Project, inviting Canadian growers to share historical potato storage spoilage data. The project uses machine learning to improve early warning for rot and storage losses while paying participants.

Global seed potato trade is entering a new biosecurity era as countries tighten phytosanitary rules, expand digital ePhyto certification, and strengthen disease testing, making certified, traceable seed essential for global market access.

SAI Platform launched its Regenerating Together Programme during the 2026 Annual Event, bringing together industry partners to advance regenerative agriculture through practical implementation, collaboration and resilient production systems.

Global demand for frozen French fries grow steadily in 2026 driven by QSR expansion, retail frozen food sales and convenience trends. Rising consumption supports processing potato demand despite supply volatility, higher costs and climate risks.

Picketa Systems, a Canadian agtech startup, raised an oversubscribed USD 2.1M round led by Tall Grass Ventures to expand its real-time crop nutrient platform (LENS) across North America, helping farmers optimize fertilizer use amid rising prices.

Artificial intelligence is expected to play an increasingly important role on Canadian farms as the federal government launches a new national strategy aimed at accelerating AI adoption across key sectors, including agriculture.

NOAA has confirmed El Niño, expected to strengthen through 2026–27. The global potato industry is monitoring impacts on yields, disease pressure, processing quality, storage, and supply chains while accelerating climate resilience efforts.

The Little Potato Company has launched its new A Little Homestyle Ranch Microwave Ready Kit across the U.S. and Canada. Featuring pre-washed Little Potatoes and ranch seasoning, the kit delivers a family-friendly side dish in just five minutes.

Europatat's 2025–2026 Activity Report highlights work on NGT regulation, plant health, food safety, seed potato trade, sustainability initiatives and Horizon Europe research projects, while concluding its six-year potato promotion campaign.

The National Potato Council and 13 state potato organizations in the United States have urged the USDA to reinstate a ban on fresh potato imports from Prince Edward Island following a new Potato Wart detection.

Royal HZPC Group continues growing its global seed potato volume above 1.1 million tonnes during the 2025/2026 financial year, despite global potato market pressure, lower prices, weaker demand and declining margins.

AIVA launches to help Canadian farmers adopt proven agtech through real-world testing on farms nationwide. Backed by FCC, EMILI and WHIN, the network connects farmers and innovators to validate tools that boost efficiency and productivity.

World Potato Congress Inc. will host a webinar on May 15, 2026, on planning for the International Day of the Potato, featuring FAO’s Makiko Taguchi and potato expert Dr André Devaux.

The Little Potato Company launches a dedicated Foodservice Solutions division, offering versatile Little Potatoes, sous-vide options, and bulk packs to help operators boost efficiency, cut prep time, and ensure consistent quality across menus.

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed five new potato varieties designed to strengthen the United States potato chip supply through improved disease resistance, storage performance and processing reliability.