Potato News from the Americas

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.

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.

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.

United States lawmakers have introduced the 'Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act of 2026,' a bill backed by the National Potato Council to modernize the H-2A program, address labor shortages and improve workforce stability for agriculture.

Shearer's Foods has opened its 17th manufacturing facility and fourth in Ohio. The new Moraine plant, built in a former General Motors facility, will produce variety packs, create hundreds of jobs, and expand the company's snack production capacity.

The Potato Association of America (PAA) concluded its 110th Annual Meeting in New Orleans with the installation of its 2026-2027 Board of Directors, recognition of Honorary Life Members and the announcement of the 2027 meeting in Minneapolis.

North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission and Rootsii are developing a first-of-its-kind sweetpotato milk from surplus crops. Backed by USD 1.82 million funding, the sustainable dairy alternative aims to reduce waste and create new markets for growers.

Renaissance BioScience has secured Genome BC funding to develop a yeast-based RNAi biopesticide targeting wireworms. The project aims to extend the company's RNAi platform to soil-dwelling pests, offering a potential new tool for potato growers.

Un estudio del CIP/WPC concluye que la zona andina tiene una oportunidad clara para ampliar el procesamiento de papa, sustituir importaciones y agregar valor local, pero para lograrlo deberá desarrollar variedades adaptadas a la industria, fortalecer el acceso a semilla de calidad y mejorar la colaboración entre investigación, productores, semilleristas y empresas procesadoras.

Intersnack’s proposed partnership with Utz could influence the potato-chip sector, but no changes to potato sourcing, supplier contracts or processing capacity have been announced. Utz’s manufacturing plans disclosed before the deal remain unchanged.

Productores de papa en Quilmaná (Perú) destruyeron unas 100 hectáreas de cultivo tras un brote de plaga favorecido por las altas temperaturas asociadas a El Niño. Estiman pérdidas de 2 millones de soles y piden apoyo del Gobierno.

Intersnack Group has agreed to acquire Utz Brands in a deal valued at about USD 2.9 billion. The acquisition will give Intersnack its first major presence in the US snack market, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.

Four United States chefs ranked Arby's curly fries as the best fast-food fries, citing their crispy texture, seasoning and consistency. McDonald's and Rally's/Checkers finished second, while the chefs also shared their favourite dipping sauces.

Lamb Weston reported higher fiscal 2026 net sales driven by volume growth in North America, while profit declined amid pricing pressure and higher costs. The company highlighted cost savings initiatives and issued financial guidance for fiscal 2027.