Potato News from Europe

A southern Alberta farmer has been invited to speak at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, bringing Canadian agriculture into global discussions on resilient food systems. The annual forum concludes on Friday.

Belarus harvested 3 million tons of potatoes in 2025, down from 3.1 million a year earlier. While authorities say supplies are sufficient, experts warn imports may be needed by summer, potentially pushing prices higher.

Ellips–Elisam shows how True-AI boosts quality, capacity and labor savings at Fruit Logistica 2026, Hall 6.1, Booth A50, with real grower results from Wada Farms and Pioneer Potatoes.

Agricultores franceses protestaron contra el acuerdo UE–Mercosur arrojando toneladas de patatas frente al Parlamento, denunciando competencia desleal y exigiendo mayores salvaguardas para proteger a la agricultura europea.

Spain’s sweet potato supply is low due to weather, keeping demand and prices high. Marta Guerra’s nursery continues growing plants, noting rising consumer interest, strong Spanish quality vs imports, and ongoing water challenges.

As Kuipers Food Processing Machinery marks its 40th anniversary, the Dutch equipment specialist reflects on decades of technical refinement, market-focused innovation and a consistent commitment to efficiency and sustainability.

OptiServe B.V. has commissioned its Xcalibur 1450 optical sorter at JEPO – Jepuan Peruna Oy in Jeppo, Finland. The system now sorts baby potatoes, cubes, slices and fries, boosting quality, yield and efficiency with advanced optical classification.

Emsland Group unveils Emjel® LC 15, a plant-based starch enabling gelatin-like jellies and gums under atmospheric cooking, offering smooth texture, clear appearance, improved heat stability, lower energy use, and access to vegan markets.

IFA President Francie Gorman told the 71st IFA AGM that opposition to the Mercosur trade deal, securing a strong CAP budget and tackling rising costs will dominate IFA’s 2026 agenda, warning of food safety risks and pressure on farm incomes EU.

FME Food Machinery Europe Sp. z o.o. presents itself as a specialised manufacturer of advanced steam peeling systems for potatoes and other root vegetables, supported by more than 40 years of experience from the Boema Group in food processing technology.

El mercado europeo de la patata atraviesa una grave crisis por la sobreoferta, la caída de precios y la presión de importaciones extracomunitarias que compiten en condiciones regulatorias desiguales.

Mientras Bruselas destaca los beneficios comerciales y la reducción de aranceles para exportaciones agroalimentarias, agricultores y ganaderos anuncian movilizaciones y bloqueos ante el riesgo que el pacto supone para sus explotaciones.

Jason O’Leary, a potato grower from Blackwater, Co. Wexford, has been elected Chair of the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) Potato Committee, which represents potato growers within Ireland’s largest farming organisation.

Germany’s potato industry calls for urgent research and coordinated measures against the spreading reed glasswinged leafhopper to protect cultivation, jobs, and regional economic strength.

Samuel Schär assumed office as CEO of Bühler Group on January 1, 2026, succeeding Stefan Scheiber. His appointment ensures continuity and stability as Bühler advances sustainable solutions for the food, feed, and mobility industries worldwide.

Scientists decoded a haplotype-resolved potato genome and GWAS of 141 accessions, identifying StTST2, a tonoplast sugar transporter. StTST2 boosts photosynthesis, sugar accumulation, source–sink transport, and tuber yield via interaction with SUT2.

DLG Benelux has officially changed its name to DLG Markets Benelux, effective immediately. The rebranding aligns with DLG International’s transition to DLG Markets and reinforces the organization’s focus on serving global and regional agri-food markets.1

Verbruggen Palletizing Solutions is a Netherlands-based supplier of automated palletizing solutions, serving food, agri-food, and industrial sectors with customized end-of-line systems.