News on Potato Cultivation

Modern potatoes are bred from a relatively narrow genetic pool, while the diseases and environmental pressures affecting potato production continue to evolve.

On May 30, the International Day of the Potato was celebrated worldwide, highlighting the potato’s role in food security, sustainability, economic development and culinary diversity beyond its importance as a staple food.

La campaña de patata en Andalucía avanza con menos superficie sembrada pero mejores perspectivas de rendimiento, en medio de la presión de las importaciones de patata vieja francesa, el riesgo de solapamiento entre cosechas nacionales y un fuerte aumento de los costos de producción.

En Mendoza, el encuentro “Habemus Papas II” impulsó la creación de un clúster papero orientado a mejorar la productividad, diversificar la producción con papines andinos y articular al sector a través de innovación, sostenibilidad y vínculos entre productores, industria e instituciones.

México enfrenta una menor oferta nacional de papa por calor extremo, plagas y estrés hídrico, lo que impulsa mayores importaciones desde Estados Unidos y anticipa subas de precios y más presión sobre el abastecimiento interno.

Agrico reports strong performance from Babylon, Vogue, Paradiso and Fajah potato varieties in Cyprus despite heavy rainfall, cold weather and strong winds. New varieties Feliz, Jamaica and Sivas also show promising results.

Lamb Weston has appointed Ashley H. as Vice President of Global Agriculture. With over 20 years at the company, she will lead global agriculture strategy and operations, ensuring a sustainable and reliable supply of high-quality potatoes worldwide.

In South Africa potatoes are the fourth most consumed staple food after maize, wheat, and rice. They are a valuable source of affordable energy and nutrition and play an important role in feeding households throughout the year.

The European Commission launched a Fertiliser Action Plan to support farmers, strengthen EU fertiliser production, reduce import dependency, boost food security, and accelerate sustainable, bio-based solutions.

Los productores de papa del norte de Sinaloa no lograron cumplir plenamente sus contratos con la industria de botanas debido a los bajos rendimientos de la cosecha, en un año marcado por pérdidas económicas y una evaluación general negativa para el sector.

Galicia enfrenta una campaña de patata muy complicada, con una caída estimada del 25% por el impacto de las lluvias e inundaciones, en medio de mayores importaciones, precios en origen deprimidos y costos de producción en alza.

The Brazilian potato market closes May with tighter supply in Minas Gerais, firm wholesale prices, advances in soil monitoring and biological inputs, and climate alerts that could complicate activity in the south and southeast of the country.

Potatoes in Practice 2026 returns on August 13 at Balruddery Farm near Dundee with SPOT robotic dog demos, live cooking by Sarah Rankin, field trials and seminars.

Montevideo will host the 31st ALAP Congress 2027, in the context of the 50th anniversary of the Latin American Potato Association.

Madhya Pradesh is emerging as a strategic hub for India’s French fry potato industry, driven by early harvests, suitable soil conditions, rising processor-grade cultivation, and expanding cold storage and agro-processing infrastructure.

FAO announced International Day of Potato 2026 theme 'Where potatoes grow, livelihoods flourish', highlighting role of potatoes in food security and farmer livelihoods. Focus on smallholders, resilient value chains, climate and pest challenges.

Royal HZPC Group CEO Hans Huistra joined Narendra Modi and top Dutch CEOs in The Hague to strengthen India–Netherlands cooperation, reinforcing HZPC’s growing strategic presence in India.

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.