News on The Potato Supply Chain from Northern America

Joseph Ifeanyi Ulasi leads a groundbreaking project to boost late blight resistance in diploid potatoes by introgressing novel Rpi genes from wild species. Using Solanum verrucosum as a genetic bridge, he advances resilient breeding for future crops.

Simplot plans to acquire Belgium-based Clarebout Potatoes, uniting two family-owned frozen potato leaders. The move aims to boost European market presence and sustainability, with operations continuing and expanding across 23 global sites.

Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the Texas A&M Potato Breeding Program, Barrett Potato Farms and Springlake Potatoes Inc. will host the annual Texas Potato Field Day on July 16 in Springlake.

The WPC congratulates Julio Kalazich, as he makes the transition from WPC International Advisor to WPC Director. New International Advisors are welcomed to the World Potato Congress Inc.

Robots in potato farming help ease labor shortages, cut costs, and boost yields by automating tasks like planting and harvesting. Paired with smart tools like crop monitoring, they improve efficiency, reduce waste, and support sustainable farming.

Cavendish Farms is launching a sustainability project on Prince Edward Island to help potato growers adopt eco-friendly practices, focusing on water use, pest control, and soil health. A farm advisory group will guide research and share results with local farmers.

Chad Hutchinson of TriCal Group joins the World Potato Congress Inc. Board as a Director. A global expert in potato research and soil health, he brings decades of experience supporting growers and advancing crop production worldwide.

Si bien las exportaciones de semilla aumentaron mucho entre 2024 y 2025, el resultado de los negocios no fue bueno en todos los destinos. En el caso de Uruguay, la presencia del virus PVY fue altísima.

United States potato exports fell 4% in volume and 1% in value (July 2024–March 2025), mainly due to lower dehydrated and chip exports. Frozen, fresh, and seed exports rose, with strong gains in Japan, Taiwan, and Guatemala despite China-India competition.

WPC Inc. announces leadership changes: Nora Olsen, Jang Sangha, and Martin Acosta retire, with Greg Donald named Vice President and Brian Douglas appointed Treasurer as preparations begin for the 2026 Congress in Kenya.

United States seed potato exports grew strongly in the Americas, with new markets in Panama, Nicaragua, and Uruguay. Potatoes USA trials expand reach in Cuba, Honduras, and the Caribbean, while new export opportunities emerge in West Africa.

P.E.I. launches a buy-back program for potato wart index fields to combat the fungal disease. It aids farmers, protects land, and boosts trade, with over USD 40M spent since 2021 on wart control efforts.

With a focus on Making Fries and Making Strides, Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. issued its annual Global Sustainability Report, providing updates on the company’s performance against key sustainability and people initiatives during its fiscal year 2024.

Alsum Farms & Produce awarded USD 10,000 in scholarships to 10 Wisconsin high school seniors for academic, agricultural, and community excellence. The program supports future ag leaders.

PEI celebrates the 2nd International Day of Potato, honoring its historic role and global impact. With innovation and sustainability, Island farmers grow 2.6B lbs yearly - feeding over 25 million people and securing the future of this vital crop.

On May 30, International Day of Potato, Peak of the Market Ltd. and the Keystone Potato Producers Association proudly recognize the dedication and hard work of Manitoba’s potato growers.

Food Innovation Online Corp., the company behind the leading potato industry portal PotatoPro.com, is proud to announce the launch of its 'PotatoPro Puts You on the Map' initiative.

Tariff pressures and rising costs are reshaping consumer perceptions in the potato snack market. Brands must monitor sentiment closely, act swiftly on price-to-value concerns, and adapt strategies to protect loyalty in this highly sensitive category.