News on The Potato Supply Chain from the Americas

Productores de papa en el occidente de Honduras bloquearon carreteras para exigir al gobierno frenar las importaciones que hunden los precios y ponen en riesgo la sostenibilidad de miles de agricultores.

People rarely think of Washington when talking about potatoes. Yet much of what happens in the fields— from fertilizer prices to seed genetics— is shaped, directly or indirectly, by decisions made in the U.S. capital.

El sector papero colombiano atraviesa una crisis de rentabilidad marcada por precios bajos, clima incierto y falta de planificación, lo que obliga a replantear la producción para evitar pérdidas y asegurar el futuro del cultivo.

Sweet potatoes have a long and meaningful history in the United States. Originating in Central and South America, the crop reached North America centuries ago and quickly became valued for its resilience, nutritional density, and natural sweetness.

La Asociación Brasileña de Papa en Fresco (ABBIN) se propone un objetivo ambicioso, aumentar el consumo de papa fresca un 50% en tres años, pasando de 4 kg por person por año, a 6 kg.

EarthFresh launches Canada’s first-ever Butter Potatoes—Butter Golds, Reds, and Russets—offering naturally creamy, buttery flavor with no added butter needed. Available nationwide in sustainable packs, they redefine taste, texture, and versatility.

McCain Foods has agreed to acquire Penobscot McCrum LLC, expanding its North American operations. The deal adds McCrum’s modern Washburn, Maine, facility to McCain’s network, strengthening supply, innovation, and support for local farmers.

Just ten years ago, 66% of the potato chips consumed in Latin America were imported from Europe; the remaining 34% came from local factories. Today, the ratio has reversed: 66% are produced in the region and only a third arrive from overseas.

A new potato variety, CIP-Asiryq, developed by the International Potato Center and Indigenous farmers in Peru, resists late blight, cuts fungicide use, cooks faster, and boosts farmer income, offering a climate-resilient solution worldwide.

Potato Expo 2026, North America’s largest potato industry event, heads to Dallas Jan. 6–8. Featuring 180 exhibitors, 30+ sessions, and major networking, it unites the global potato supply chain to drive innovation, advocacy, and collaboration.

Plant Grow Harvest has announced the expansion of its potato portfolio and year-round fresh supply through the launch of two dynamic consumer brands and advancements in its proprietary seed breeding program.

Aroostook County has long been referred to as Maine’s Potato Empire. Because of the relatively short season in the County and its rich, fertile soil, potatoes became the dominant crop as non-indigenous settlement increased in the 19th century.

As harvest begins across the country, it’s go time for growers, agronomists, and farm managers—an ideal moment to showcase the versatility of the Soiltech Beacon, often called the Swiss Army Knife of ag sensors, shining brightest during harvest.

APH Group, a global dealer organization for agricultural machinery and installations, has opened a sales and service office in Grafton, North Dakota, expanding its presence into the Red River Valley region.

Uno de los principales productores del país transformó zonas áridas del valle del río Negro en polos paperos irrigados, concentrando allí la mitad de sus 3.000 hectáreas y abasteciendo todo el año a la industria nacional.

Lethbridge researchers study how heat waves and hail affect potato crops. Dr. Neilson finds timing is key, with storms during tuber growth reducing quality. His work aims to create tools to help farmers assess risks and boost crop resilience.

Calantha, a new RNA-based sprayable pesticide, effectively kills Colorado potato beetles while sparing beneficial insects. Most effective on small larvae, it offers a sustainable, targeted solution to combat resistant crop pests.

In recent years, the global potato industry has entered a phase of rapid consolidation. Mergers, acquisitions, and geographic expansions are redefining who produces, who decides, and who supplies.