News on The Potato Supply Chain

92% of farmers say their sustainability efforts go unrecognised, despite adopting an average of eight eco-friendly practices. While 85% would do more with financial support, low trust in government and policy confusion remain key barriers.

Latest potato free-buy prices have fallen to less than half their level a year ago, with Potato Call quoting the best Maris Piper at GBP 180 per tonne compared with GBP 400 per tonne for similar potatoes last season.

GB Potatoes has named the first cohort of its new Potato Industry Development Programme, with 14 early and mid-career professionals completing the initial phase of training from 2–4 February.

European farmers are protesting over falling prices caused by a large harvest, reduced demand for frozen French fries following U.S. tariffs, and rising competition from countries such as China and India, putting profitability at risk and potentially reducing planting areas.

Tras varios años con una tendencia de aumento en el area producida, el area finalmente decrece en Tucumán debido a condiciones climáticas y de mercado.

Los agricultores galos se encuentran en alerta tras el recorte a los precios de los contratos de producción para industria los cuales trasladan más riesgos a su operativa.

Aunque la soja y el maíz tienen mayor valor de exportación, la papa depende del mercado interno, es altamente perecedera y resulta especialmente sensible a los costos logísticos, por lo que el aumento del transporte impacta con más fuerza en su cadena.

Harinder Farms, in Punjab, India successfully organized the 3rd Innovative Seed Show, bringing together potato growers, farmers, and agricultural stakeholders to exchange knowledge and discuss the future of crop production and seed potato systems.

Dallas hosted the event amid political uncertainty, tariffs, strained trade ties and migrant labour crackdowns, while the Trump administration provided nearly USD 40 billion in farm aid, though none was specifically directed at potato production sector.

Around 500 guests from 15 countries attended the 20th International Berlin Potato Evening hosted by DKHV at TITANIC Chaussee Berlin, uniting heads from the potato value chain, science, politics to discuss market challenges and policy fair rules.

Royal HZPC Group has finalized the acquisition of IPM Potato Group, following the initial announcement made in October 2025. With all required conditions now fulfilled, IPM officially becomes part of Royal HZPC Group.

Weather agencies and climate scientists have pointed to the possibility of an El Niño forming in the Pacific Ocean later this year – a phenomenon that could push global temperatures to all-time record highs in 2027.

Eleven additional states can export fresh table-stock and chipping potatoes to South Korea, according to a Jan. 23 agreement announced by the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Germans consume an average of 63 kg of potatoes per person each year, according to official statistics. However, an exceptional surplus from the most recent harvest has overwhelmed even Germany's traditionally strong demand for the crop.

Michigan State University Extension will host a free six-session 2026 Regenerative Agriculture Winter Webinar Series in February. The virtual program will share practical strategies to improve soil health, water quality and farm resilience.

'Maris Piper has had its day; or has it?' That was the provocative title of a GB Potatoes debate at the British Potato Industry Event, where industry leaders discussed whether the long-standing variety still has a place in modern potato production.

McCain Foods, the UK largest manufacturer of prepared potato products, has announced plans to launch a new Farm of the Future in North Yorkshire, home of McCain GB headquarters for more than 50 years.

The UK has officially eradicated the Colorado Beetle following two years of intensive surveillance and biosecurity activity. The pest was detected in Kent in July 2023, with one further finding later that year.