News on Energy and Environment from Canada

European potato supplies are tightening as acreage declines and heatwaves pressure yields. France is particularly affected by severe water stress, prompting CNIPT to call for purchasing and sales strategies to reflect current market conditions.

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.

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.

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.

World Potato Congress Inc. will host a webinar on May 15, 2026, on planning for the International Day of the Potato, featuring FAO’s Makiko Taguchi and potato expert Dr André Devaux.

Vitsab International AB introduces Freshtag®, a color-changing time-temperature label using 'Stoplight Technology' to monitor perishable foods in transit. The easy-to-use, compliant solution helps prevent spoilage, ensure safety, and protect profits.

FPS Food Process Solutions has added Southern Fabrication Works to its portfolio, boosting its capabilities in hydro-cutting, water knife technology and plant engineering, strengthening end-to-end food processing solutions worldwide.

McCain Foods has released its 2025 Global Sustainability Report, sharing progress toward its sustainability commitments with the completion of a key pledge made in 2021, and outlines refreshed sustainability targets to 2030.

Kroeker Farms announces a CEO transition: Wayne Rempel becomes Senior Advisor after decades of leadership, and COO Harwin Bouwman is appointed CEO effective Dec 1, 2025.

Lethbridge researchers study how heat waves and hail affect potato crops. Dr. Neilson finds timing is key, with storms during tuber growth reducing quality. His work aims to create tools to help farmers assess risks and boost crop resilience.

Prince Edward Island researchers are testing the Weed Zapper, an electric tool offering a chemical-free alternative to herbicides. The 2-year study aims to cut costs, limit weed spread, and support sustainable pest management in horticulture crops.

Cellar Insights raised an oversubscribed seed round, co-led by Tall Grass Ventures & Accelerate Fund IV, to scale its AI-powered potato storage tech, preventing spoilage and reducing crop losses across North America.

A new webpage by the Michigan Potato Industry Commission offers growers tools to identify and manage late blight, featuring pathogen details, outbreak protocols, fungicide advice and links to monitoring organizations.

P.E.I. potato farmers face major crop losses as drought grips the island. With only 10% irrigated land, yields are falling below average. Farmers like Andrew Lawless expect 30% losses, warning climate change demands urgent investment in irrigation.

A Canadian study shows regenerative practices in potato farming boost soil health, yields and carbon capture. Trials found plant diversity raises marketable yield and resilience without more diseases, supporting long term farm viability