Potato News

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.

The Potato Sustainability Alliance (PSA) has released its 2025 On-Farm Assessment Report, highlighting continued participation and measurable sustainability performance across potato production in the United States and Canada.

Jensma Agro installed two Optica Q optical sorters to grade 30 t/h of seed potatoes with less labour. The system cuts manual inspection, improves efficiency, increases capacity and supports future growth, with minor software improvements planned.

Janine Luten, Director of the Dutch Potato Organisation (NAO), says innovation, knowledge sharing and collaboration are essential to keeping the Netherlands a global leader in potatoes while tackling labour, sustainability and regulatory challenges.

Quintera has demonstrated high yields, stable processing quality and resilience under warm, dry conditions after four years of commercial cultivation, making it a strong processing potato variety for irrigated light sandy soils.

Mousline faced a difficult 2025 with lower sales, crop problems, and lost contracts. The French brand is investing €14 million (USD 16.2 million), expanding exports, innovating products, and launching plant-based spreads to drive recovery.

MoistTech will present the IR-3000 NIR moisture sensor at PACK EXPO International 2026. The system enables real-time moisture control, helping food and corrugated manufacturers improve quality, reduce waste, and save energy.

FAM STUMABO will showcase its latest potato processing innovations at Interpom 2026 in Kortrijk, Belgium, from 29 November to 1 December. Highlights include the new SureTec 240P, STUMABO hydrocutting heads and the Dorphy dicer.

HyFun Foods and Maersk have inaugurated one of India's largest cold storage facilities in Mehsana, Gujarat. The 260,000 sq. ft. facility with capacity for 14,700 pallet positions strengthens HyFun Foods' cold chain and frozen potato logistics.

Lam Dong, Viet Nam, approved the export of 27,952 potato seeds from 23 breeding lines to India for research. The shipment by the Potato, Vegetable and Flower Research Center supports breeding, variety testing, and potato innovation.

Unilever expects no major job losses in the Netherlands after selling its food division to McCormick. The new company will retain a strong Dutch presence, including Rotterdam headquarters and Wageningen research center, supporting around 1,000 jobs.

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.

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.

Shri Vibracion Technologies marked its 9th Foundation Day by opening its Experience Center, offering live machine demos, product trials and expert guidance to help customers choose the right material handling solutions.

El cierre de pasos fronterizos entre Argentina y Chile por nieve está provocando demoras logísticas, camiones varados y mayores costos, afectando especialmente las exportaciones chilenas de semilla de papa hacia Uruguay y Brasil.

Condiciones climáticas desfavorables para la oferta condicionan el precio de la papa en los mercados que se dispara más de un 50% en apenas una semana.

Productores de Ybytymí y General Bernardino Caballero denuncian que la reducción de la provisión de semillas del MAG dejará fuera de la siembra a más de 400 agricultores y reducirá el área de cultivo de papa en el departamento.