News on Potato Varieties and Seed

P.E.I. potato farmers face major crop losses as drought grips the island. With only 10% irrigated land, yields are falling below average. Farmers like Andrew Lawless expect 30% losses, warning climate change demands urgent investment in irrigation.

Both Sichuan’s potato production area and total yield remain among the largest in China. The province’s unique geographic features support year-round planting and supply, delivering strong economic and social benefits.

El gobierno de Colombia lanzó un plan de apoyo para pequeños productores de papa en Nariño, que incluye compra pública a precio justo y apertura de nuevos mercados para enfrentar la crisis generada por el contrabando y los bajos precios.

En 2025, la superficie sembrada de papa en EE. UU. cayó a su nivel más bajo en más de 70 años, con 369.000 hectáreas, aunque los altos rendimientos previstos mitigarán el impacto en la producción total.

The James Hutton Institute introduced two PCN-resistant potato varieties, Malaika and Glen, in Kenya. Developed with international partners, they boost yields, support food security, and meet local farmers’ needs for fast-cooking, low-dormancy potatoes.

PotatoEurope 2025 takes place 3–4 Sept. at WUR Lelystad with 300+ exhibitors & visitors from 119 countries. Highlights: trial harvests, ICM & market conferences, live demos from harvest to sorting, and innovation test fields.

Branston potato growers gathered in Lincolnshire to explore new varieties, including a nutty salad potato and Inca Rosa, aimed at supermarkets by 2026. The field walk showcased trials, yields, and innovations, with Tesco also backing the development.

Seed potato areas in Western Europe reached 106,864 ha in 2025, up 9,297 ha (+9.53%) from 2024. Netherlands, France and Germany account for 80%. Growth is led by processing and export varieties, confirming their strategic role.

Potatoes are the main vegetable crop in Uruguay, where production volume (20% of total vegetables), level of consumption (30 kg/inhabitant/year), and nutritional benefits make potatoes a staple food that contributes to food security.

Una iniciativa joven articulada a través del Biomuseo de la Papa Nativa ha permitido salvaguardar este invaluable tesoro genético.

Potato Professionals in the United Kingdom gathered for the annual Potatoes in Practice (PiP)event, hosted by the National Potato Innovation Centre (NPIC), in partnership with SRUC and Agrii, at The James Hutton Institute’s Baldruddery Farm.

Exports from Argentina and Chile to other countries in the region cement the multinational’s position as a powerhouse in supply.

Iksan Sweet Potato Mozzarella Burger and Muffin, a collaboration between Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do and McDonald's Korea, surpassed 2.4 million in a month after its launch, setting a new record every day.

IFCG-Egypt will be participating as an exhibitor at the Anuga Food Trade Show 2025, one of the world’s most influential platforms for food innovation and global sourcing. They will showcase the latest generation of frozen sweet potato fries.

Wisconsin red and yellow potato harvest is underway at Alsum Farms in Adams, Wis. with the first potato loads being washed, graded, and packed for fresh market delivery to distribution centers and retail grocers.

CPRI launched Kufri Chipbharat-1, a new potato variety for processing, marking a significant advancement in India's agricultural sector. The release, attended by key officials, supports India's position as the second-largest global potato producer.

A study reveals that potatoes originated from a hybridisation event 9 million years ago in the Andes, when tomato ancestors crossed with Etuberosum plants. This allowed potatoes to form tubers, leading to the diverse species we rely on today.

PoLoPo, a B2B deeptech firm, is shifting focus to the snack industry. It's patented potato offers up to three more protein than regular tubers, enabling high-protein chips with great taste and texture for brands and food manufacturers.