Potato News from Europe

Digitalization, precision machinery, and AI are reshaping potato production. The article highlights advances in planting, crop care, harvesting, storage, and optical sorting that improve efficiency, quality, and labor productivity.

Hutton Scientific Services launched a commercial potato virus testing service for the 2026 United Kingdom seed potato campaign. The new service offers PLRV and PVY testing following SASA's withdrawal, supporting crop health and market confidence.

McCain Foods celebrated 18 Manufacturing Academy graduates in Scarborough. Since launching in 2022, the programme has enrolled 118 employees, supporting NVQ training, career progression and skills development across its four United Kingdom.

Global potato processing is shifting toward efficiency as Asia expands capacity while Europe invests in automation and energy-saving technologies. Heat and drought are increasing crop variability, influencing starch markets and supply strategies.

La cosecha de papa en Salamanca comenzará formalmente la próxima semana en un contexto de incertidumbre productiva y de precios, marcado por diferencias entre zonas, competencia con cosechas tardías de Andalucía y Toledo, excedentes franceses y valores más bajos que en años anteriores.

Around 70 Dutch seed potato growers watched an autonomous robot identify virus-infected plants during a field demonstration. The robot marks infected plants for easier manual removal, while automated removal is being explored for future versions.

Strong Roots has appointed Emma Curtis as Managing Director, succeeding Charlotte Turton. A long-standing member of the company, Curtis will lead the Irish frozen food brand as it enters its second decade of growth.

DKHV has launched a redesigned website (dkhv.org), offering a modern platform for Germany’s potato industry. Key features include an interactive member map, easier access to industry resources, and greater visibility for its 160 member companies.

NEPG reports an 11% decline in European ware potato plantings for 2026 as growers cut acreage to rebalance oversupplied markets. The group warns low contract prices and rising production costs threaten farm viability.

McCain Foods has on boarded 69% of its potato acreage to its regenerative agriculture framework. Through grower partnerships, COVALO, Routes to Regen and OP2B, the company aims to transition 100% of its potato acreage to regenerative farming by 2030.

Record-breaking early-summer temperatures and low soil moisture are increasing variability in Europe's 2026 potato crop. Wyma Solutions highlights post-harvest solutions to help processors manage quality, efficiency and throughput.

The first joint potato campaign at Solan, Poland, concluded successfully, with stable production, high-quality potatoes, and output exceeding expectations. Strong teamwork with colleagues in the Netherlands supports future innovation and growth.

Europe’s potato sector faces pressure as temperatures exceed 40°C in key growing regions. With crops in critical growth stages, prolonged heat and drought could cut yields, affect quality, and increase irrigation needs, raising supply concerns.

AVR has strengthened its Dutch dealer network by appointing Kamps de Wild Beilen as its official dealer. The company takes over the former Selles Agrotechniek territory, boosting sales, service, parts availability and customer support.

Patatas Arrebola lanzó en Andalucía la marca Sabor del SUR para identificar en los puntos de venta la papa de temporada 100% andaluza, promover el consumo de proximidad, reducir el impacto del transporte y apoyar a agricultores, empresas y empleo local.

Forsfood Group Oy has joined Orat Oy and Banmark Oy Ab in a strategic acquisition, combining decades of expertise in food processing machinery. The company will continue operations under its name with unchanged team, ensuring full continuity.

Karmark Int. A/S will become EUROPLANT Scandinavia ApS from the 2026/27 potato season, strengthening the EUROPLANT brand in Scandinavia. Customers keep the same team, while the company expands high-performing potato varieties for future market needs.

The latest European Commission report on EU agri-food trade shows that, during the first four months of 2026, the EU agri-food trade surplus reached EUR 15.6 billion, an increase of EUR 233 million compared with the same period in 2025.