News on Potato Varieties and Seed

In 2025, over 83 thousand hectares of ware potatoes will be grown in The Netherlands. This is 8.6 percent more than last year. The last time the cultivation area of ​​ware potatoes exceeded 80 thousand hectares was in 2000.

Bashir Jalal, a farmer from Duhok’s Sheikhan district, has been named Iraq’s top grower of the River potato variety by Agrico, thanks to 16+ years of dedication. His success highlights the Kurdistan Region’s thriving potato sector and growing exports.

Europatat Congress 2025 in Lille brought together Europe’s potato leaders to tackle challenges like climate change, shifting consumption, and global trade. With optimism, speakers stressed innovation, sustainability, and adapting to consumer demands.

Groupe Florimond Desprez (GFD) acquired DLF’s 49% stake in Danespo A/S, becoming majority owner. The move strengthens GFD’s seed potato business, aligning Danespo and Germicopa under shared leadership and future investments.

HZPC consolida su presencia en América Latina con nueva identidad regional en redes sociales.

Se trata de un cultivo que puede rastrear su origen genético ininterrumpido al Peru del siglo XVII. Hoy, debido a las inclemencias del tiempo y la desprotección económica, su continuidad se encuentra en jaque.

Potatoes in Practice, the UK’s biggest field potato event, is on 7 August at Balruddery Farm. Hosted by James Hutton Institute, it brings growers, researchers, and industry leaders together to share innovations and advance the potato sector.

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 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.

Dr. Neeraj Sharma has been appointed as CIP's Country Manager for India, effective June 9, 2025. A veteran in potato R&D, he will lead strategy, partnerships, and operations to boost sustainable agriculture and food security in India.

Durante un evento, el intercambio sobre la cadena productiva y su futuro fue extenso. Fortalezas y debilidades quedaron de relieve, desafíos y oportunidades.

At PotatoEurope 2025, fifteen top companies will showcase trials on potato cultivation, with 309 exhibitors and 15,000 visitors expected. The event highlights innovation, demos, and global networking across the potato value chain.

GB Potatoes has joined HCP to secure vital crop protection authorisations for the UK seed potato sector, using AHDB levy funds. A new technical group will prioritise needs, ensuring sustainable, high-quality seed and ware potato production.

Scientists, led by Dr Rob Hancock, Deputy Director of the Hutton’s Advanced Plant Growth Centre, have been working as part of a European consortium to develop tools for the development of multi-stress tolerant potatoes

Rwanda is now a key hub for seed potato trade in the Great Lakes Region, thanks to farmer-led innovations, Africa’s largest minituber facility, a national seed catalogue, and efforts toward regional integration and formal cross-border seed markets.

By mid-March, Hans Huistra, CEO of the Royal HZPC Group, had done a good deal of driving on Dutch highways. He rushed from meeting to meeting, sharing the good news that last season's average prices will be historically high with affiliated seed potato growers.

The potato feeds over a billion people but faces disease and limited diversity. Investing in research, breeding, and farmer support is vital to improve resilience and productivity, ensuring it remains a key staple for global food security.

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.