Potato News from Canada

Potandon Produce has launched the Potandon Grower Alliance, bringing together premier grower partners to strengthen quality, innovation and supply-chain collaboration while supporting Green Giant Fresh potato and onion growth across North America.

India’s potato industry needs a stronger seed ecosystem to close its productivity gap. Scientific seed multiplication, digital agronomy and market-aligned varieties can improve yields, reduce risks and build a profitable supply chain.

Surrey’s Ugly Potato Day set a Guinness World Record by donating 246,528 kg of fruits and vegetables in 24 hours. The event attracted 30,000 people and brought together 25 farms to reduce food waste and support local communities.

Global warming is accelerating, threatening potato production through heat, drought, pests, and storage challenges. Climate-smart farming, resilient varieties, and improved irrigation are essential to protect future yields and quality.

Researchers in Prince Edward Island are testing cattle grazing before potato planting to improve soil health, reduce costs and support sustainable farming. Early results show no yield loss or higher emissions as researchers study long-term benefits.

Renaissance BioScience has secured Genome BC funding to develop a yeast-based RNAi biopesticide targeting wireworms. The project aims to extend the company's RNAi platform to soil-dwelling pests, offering a potential new tool for potato growers.

Lamb Weston reported higher fiscal 2026 net sales driven by volume growth in North America, while profit declined amid pricing pressure and higher costs. The company highlighted cost savings initiatives and issued financial guidance for fiscal 2027.

Cellar Insights launched the Rotten Potato Data Project, inviting Canadian growers to share historical potato storage spoilage data. The project uses machine learning to improve early warning for rot and storage losses while paying participants.

Global seed potato trade is entering a new biosecurity era as countries tighten phytosanitary rules, expand digital ePhyto certification, and strengthen disease testing, making certified, traceable seed essential for global market access.

Potato starch is expanding beyond food as demand grows for clean-label ingredients and sustainable materials. New applications in pharmaceuticals, paper, textiles, adhesives, and biodegradable packaging are creating global market opportunities.

SAI Platform launched its Regenerating Together Programme during the 2026 Annual Event, bringing together industry partners to advance regenerative agriculture through practical implementation, collaboration and resilient production systems.

Global demand for frozen French fries grow steadily in 2026 driven by QSR expansion, retail frozen food sales and convenience trends. Rising consumption supports processing potato demand despite supply volatility, higher costs and climate risks.

Picketa Systems, a Canadian agtech startup, raised an oversubscribed USD 2.1M round led by Tall Grass Ventures to expand its real-time crop nutrient platform (LENS) across North America, helping farmers optimize fertilizer use amid rising prices.

Artificial intelligence is expected to play an increasingly important role on Canadian farms as the federal government launches a new national strategy aimed at accelerating AI adoption across key sectors, including agriculture.

Introducing Foodera Technologies, the new global group uniting Tummers Group, Van der Giessen Industrie, Kiremko, Idaho Steel and REYCO Systems. The group combines technologies and expertise to help food processors prepare for future challenges.

McCain Foods has released its inaugural McCain Spud Report, providing a global snapshot of how consumers interact with fries and potato products in different markets.

NOAA has confirmed El Niño, expected to strengthen through 2026–27. The global potato industry is monitoring impacts on yields, disease pressure, processing quality, storage, and supply chains while accelerating climate resilience efforts.

The Little Potato Company has launched its new A Little Homestyle Ranch Microwave Ready Kit across the U.S. and Canada. Featuring pre-washed Little Potatoes and ranch seasoning, the kit delivers a family-friendly side dish in just five minutes.