News on Health and Nutrition

The 1st International Potato Symposium in Madrid brought together 250 professionals to discuss key challenges and opportunities in production, trade, plant health, innovation and sustainability, promoting stronger European cooperation.

The Dutch Potato Organisation celebrated Potato Tuesday on October 6 at Utrecht Central Station during the Week of Our Food. Visitors can enjoy free recipe booklets and discover the people behind the Dutch potato industry.

PotatoEurope 2026 and SugarBeet Expo opened in Germany, showcasing innovations for climate-resilient root-crop production. DLG President Paetow highlighted drought, pests, global markets and the need for competitive, sustainable farming systems.

Saratoga Potato Chips recalls J. HIGGS Loaded Bacon and Cheddar Potato Chips in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee and Maryland over undeclared soy. Consumers with allergies should avoid affected packages and return them for a refund.

The 1st International Symposium of Potato will bring together more than 400 professionals in Madrid on October 5, 2026, to discuss potato production, trade, plant health and opportunities across the European potato value chain.

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.

Washington potato exports have dropped about 10% as China expands production and exports across Pacific Rim markets. Industry leaders say China's lower costs and investment in potato research are increasing pressure on U.S. growers.

Dutch growers and the Dutch Potato Organisation (NAO) support the Outline Crop Protection Covenant to reduce environmental impacts, improve water quality and boost innovation while promoting legal certainty and sustainable potato production.

The United States Food and Drug Administration has upgraded the recall of selected Utz potato chips under the Zapp's and Dirty brands to a Class I recall due to the potential risk of salmonella contamination.

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.

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.

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.

Europatat elected Peter Ton, COO of Royal HZPC Group, as President for 2026–2030 during its Brussels Congress. Members also reviewed strategy priorities, including trade, sustainability, water, nutrition, and potato research across Europe.

The Dutch potato sector used International Potato Day to highlight its role in global food security, innovation, and economic growth. Industry leaders and policymakers emphasized cooperation, sustainability, and support to maintain global leadership.

UK potato farmers face rising costs, weak prices, labour shortages and climate shocks after years of disruption. Profitability is under pressure, risking sector decline. Innovation, policy support and collaboration are key to future resilience.

The European Commission launched a Fertiliser Action Plan to support farmers, strengthen EU fertiliser production, reduce import dependency, boost food security, and accelerate sustainable, bio-based solutions.

FAO announced International Day of Potato 2026 theme 'Where potatoes grow, livelihoods flourish', highlighting role of potatoes in food security and farmer livelihoods. Focus on smallholders, resilient value chains, climate and pest challenges.

Royal HZPC Group CEO Hans Huistra joined Narendra Modi and top Dutch CEOs in The Hague to strengthen India–Netherlands cooperation, reinforcing HZPC’s growing strategic presence in India.