News on Energy and Environment

Belgian AI technology company Polysense has raised USD 10.7 million to expand its AI-powered quality control and process optimisation solutions, helping food manufacturers reduce waste, improve yield, and automate real-time production decisions.

Advanced post-harvest technologies are helping cut food waste, reduce carbon emissions, improve storage efficiency, and strengthen sustainable food supply chains through AI, IoT, precision sorting, renewable energy, and smart cold storage solutions.

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.

Agristo has joined the Potato Sustainability Alliance (PSA) as a Processor Member, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable potato production. The move supports industry collaboration as Agristo expands its first U.S. processing facility.

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.

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.

World Potato Congress extended the early bird registration deadline for its 2026 congress in Naivasha to 6 July. The event will feature technical tours, including Farmer Field Day, and bring together global potato industry delegates and farmers.

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.

Kettle Brand’s Tater Tracker™ lets consumers trace potatoes to the farm where they were grown. By entering a code on the bag, users can meet the farmers and explore regenerative practices, including cover crops and pollinator habitats in action.

GB Potatoes and Branston will host a low-carbon farming event in Lincolnshire on 28 July, while GB Potatoes joins Defra’s Expert Growers Group. The industry also awaits updates on UK-EU seed potato trade and the new Farming Roadmap.

Potato Demo Day 2026 has opened visitor registration for its September event in Westmaas. The programme includes more than 120 exhibitors, 25 knowledge sessions, machinery demonstrations, a Startup Plaza and activities covering the potato value chain

The 1st International Symposium of Potato will bring together more than 400 industry professionals on October 5, 2026, at IFEMA Madrid to discuss sustainable production, innovation, consumption, and the strategic role of potatoes in Europe and the global market.

Europatat welcomes the EU’s adoption of the NGT Regulation, opening new opportunities for innovative potato varieties with improved disease resistance, climate adaptability, and processing traits, while boosting breeding research and investment.

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.

El futuro del campo español depende de una transformación estructural basada en relevo generacional, tecnificación, sostenibilidad, inversión productiva, formación especializada e infraestructuras que permitan convertir al agro en un sector competitivo, innovador y rentable.

EUPPA members met in Brussels on June 9–10, 2026, to discuss food safety, agriculture, sustainability and policy developments affecting the potato processing sector. The programme also included a visit to the European Parliament.

Aviko has started electrifying its Steenderen potato processing plant, advancing its Unlock 30 sustainability strategy. Developed with Liander, the project aims to cut emissions, reduce fossil fuel use, and support lower-carbon food production.