Potato News from the Americas

Cavendish Farms is launching a sustainability project on Prince Edward Island to help potato growers adopt eco-friendly practices, focusing on water use, pest control, and soil health. A farm advisory group will guide research and share results with local farmers.

Chad Hutchinson of TriCal Group joins the World Potato Congress Inc. Board as a Director. A global expert in potato research and soil health, he brings decades of experience supporting growers and advancing crop production worldwide.

PPM Technologies, a member of Duravant’s Food Sorting and Handling group, introduces their new BatchWright™ frying system for kettle-style potato chips and other root vegetable snacks. 

Si bien las exportaciones de semilla aumentaron mucho entre 2024 y 2025, el resultado de los negocios no fue bueno en todos los destinos. En el caso de Uruguay, la presencia del virus PVY fue altísima.

United States potato exports fell 4% in volume and 1% in value (July 2024–March 2025), mainly due to lower dehydrated and chip exports. Frozen, fresh, and seed exports rose, with strong gains in Japan, Taiwan, and Guatemala despite China-India competition.

WPC Inc. announces leadership changes: Nora Olsen, Jang Sangha, and Martin Acosta retire, with Greg Donald named Vice President and Brian Douglas appointed Treasurer as preparations begin for the 2026 Congress in Kenya.

Frito-Lay has ended manufacturing at its Rancho Cucamonga snack plant after 50+ years, affecting potentially hundreds of jobs. While some operations remain, many workers were laid off, with limited transfer options and undisclosed severance details.

La multinacional comenzará pronto con la producción a gran escala para despacharla por los muelles de la terminal marítima local. La mayor parte de la producción estará destinada a los mercados internacionales.

United States seed potato exports grew strongly in the Americas, with new markets in Panama, Nicaragua, and Uruguay. Potatoes USA trials expand reach in Cuba, Honduras, and the Caribbean, while new export opportunities emerge in West Africa.

Dr. Neeraj Sharma has been appointed as CIP's Country Manager for India, effective June 9, 2025. A veteran in potato R&D, he will lead strategy, partnerships, and operations to boost sustainable agriculture and food security in India.

P.E.I. launches a buy-back program for potato wart index fields to combat the fungal disease. It aids farmers, protects land, and boosts trade, with over USD 40M spent since 2021 on wart control efforts.

With a focus on Making Fries and Making Strides, Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. issued its annual Global Sustainability Report, providing updates on the company’s performance against key sustainability and people initiatives during its fiscal year 2024.

De 300 a 600 hectares cultivadas para abastecer de papa nacional a todos los paraguayos y así reducir la dependencia regional en materia alimentaria.

Durante un evento, el intercambio sobre la cadena productiva y su futuro fue extenso. Fortalezas y debilidades quedaron de relieve, desafíos y oportunidades.

Pese a las lluvias y las dificultades en la cosecha, el escenario de estabilidad en precios se mantiene para los principales mercados.

Tristan Scoble has been promoted to Urschel Laboratories Director of Sales, effective July 1. With a strong track record since 2015, he will lead strategic sales efforts for the global leader in food cutting machinery.

Cavendish Farms' Quick Crisp® line—Potato Tots, Onion Rings, and Slim Steak Cut Fries—won the Canadian Grand Prix New Product Award for innovation, quality, and convenience. Ready in minutes, they’re perfect for busy Canadian lifestyles.

Alsum Farms & Produce awarded USD 10,000 in scholarships to 10 Wisconsin high school seniors for academic, agricultural, and community excellence. The program supports future ag leaders.