Potato News from the Americas

The Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) has opened applications for its 2026 Leadership in the Field: From Battlefield to Potato Field program, scheduled for July 13–16, 2026, at Gettysburg National Military Park.

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: LW) has announced its results for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 and updated its full year financial targets for fiscal 2026. 

Mars, global leader in pet care, snacking and food and Kellanova (NYSE: K), a leader in global snacking, international cereal and noodles and North America frozen foods, recently announced that Mars has received unconditional approval from the European Commission for its pending acquisition of Kellanova.

Cruces genéticos entre variedades colombianas y peruanas permitieron desarrollar una variedad que mantiene calidad y duplica su periodo de reposo, retrasando la brotación hasta 48 días.

Por cuarta semana consecutiva el valor de la papa en los principales mercados brasileños mostró un incremento significativo, revirtiendo la depresión que predominó durante la mayor parte del año.

NAPSO and Spud Smart will host a webinar, 'Mid-Storage Health Check,' on Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. PST. Experts Dr. Sastry Jayanty and Dr. Amanda Gevens will cover CO₂, humidity, airflow, and early detection of storage diseases. Register now.

According to MarketsandMarkets™, the modified starch market is estimated at USD 14.92 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 17.30 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.0 percent.

Ecuador se encuentra próximo a presentar dos nuevas variedades de papa, especialmente adaptadas a su contexto productivo, con un gran potencial para la industria de chips.

Se inició la cosecha de papa y cebolla en Caazapá, un avance clave para abastecer parte de la demanda anual del país, que aún depende de importaciones para cubrir el consumo interno.

Simplot plans to expand potato production in Mendoza, meeting officials to address energy shortages affecting farms. While exploring costly potato transport from Buenos Aires, the company aims to boost output, develop 1,800 ha in Pareditas, and grow a local potato cluster.

The World Potato Congress will host a webinar on Dec 10, 2025, where Dr. Christine Noronha shares research showing how crop rotation reduces wireworm damage in potatoes, highlighting her innovative pest management advances and key field results.

Los precios de la papa tipo ágata subieron en los principales mayoristas debido a lluvias y baja oferta, pero esta mejora puntual ocurre en un año especialmente difícil para los productores brasileños, marcado por costos elevados, inestabilidad climática, sobreoferta e importaciones que han deprimido la rentabilidad del sector.

Gracias a la fuerte inversión internacional y el desarrollo industrial la provincia se ha posicionado como un polo papero fuertísimo.

FPS Food Process Solutions has been named a finalist in two categories at the 2025 BC Export Awards: Manufactured Products and Diversified Exporter. The recognition highlights the company’s innovation, global growth, and strong industry impact.

Reading Bakery Systems will host a hands-on Pretzel Training Seminar Feb 3–4, 2026 in PA, offering demos, activities, and expert guidance on pretzel production for both new and experienced makers. Limited space; registration required.

The 58th Idaho Potato Conference will be held Jan. 21–22 in Pocatello, featuring panels, research updates, a trade show and sessions on soil-borne diseases, agronomy, storage and water issues. Registration is USD 40 before Jan. 14.

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.

McCain Foods will invest BRL 1.8 billion (USD 334 million) to expand its Araxá (MG) plant, adding new French fry and pre-formed product lines. The project boosts capacity, supports rising demand and creates over 350 jobs.