Potato News from Northern America

Maine marked its 206th birthday on March 15, 2026, celebrating its admission as the 23rd state of the United States in 1820. While blueberries symbolize the state, potatoes remain a vital part of Maine’s agricultural heritage and economy.

The Idaho Potato Commission board approved an increase to its budget for the fiscal year ending August 31, following strong potato production in 2025 and continued momentum in the market.

Heat and Control will showcase snack processing innovations at SNX 2026, including high-speed packaging, precise seasoning, and water recirculation tech that cuts freshwater use by up to 75%, improving efficiency, sustainability, and product quality.

Potato producers in the Red River Valley of Minnesota and North Dakota are facing delays in securing seasonal workers through the H-2A visa program, raising concerns about potential impacts on the 2026 crop year.

The World Potato Congress Inc. is now calling for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from parties interested in hosting the 15th and 16th World Potato Congresses to be held in 2030 and 2032.

The Kraft Heinz Company has introduced the HEINZ Dipper, a newly designed fry box with an integrated ketchup compartment that allows consumers to dip fries easily while on the go.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced this week that it has reached an agreement with its Mexican counterpart allowing fresh Canadian potatoes to be exported to Mexico for consumption or processing.

Cape Cod has launched limited-edition Lemon Herb Butter potato chips for spring, featuring citrus, herbs and buttery seasoning on its signature kettle chips. The new flavor is rolling out at Walmart, Publix and Target, with strong fan buzz online.

APM Steam cuts steam losses and downtime in food facilities with expert trap surveys, finding failures, boosting energy efficiency, ensuring safe condensate removal, and giving ROI-backed repair plans for improved operations and compliance.

Ben Sklarczyk, a third-generation Michigan grower and owner of Sklarczyk Seed Farm, was elected 2026 President of the National Potato Council. He plans to promote potatoes in nutrition programs, support fair trade, and boost grower policy engagement.

Vitsab International AB introduces Freshtag®, a color-changing time-temperature label using 'Stoplight Technology' to monitor perishable foods in transit. The easy-to-use, compliant solution helps prevent spoilage, ensure safety, and protect profits.

Researchers at Lethbridge Polytechnic, Alberta, Canada, potatoes are testing if short-wave infrared hyperspectral imaging can be used to assess Total GlycoAlkaloid (TGA) levels in potatoes.

FPS Food Process Solutions has added Southern Fabrication Works to its portfolio, boosting its capabilities in hydro-cutting, water knife technology and plant engineering, strengthening end-to-end food processing solutions worldwide.

During Potato Lover's Month, NPGA is recognizing the growers who contribute to the region’s four key sectors: Fresh, Processing, Chip, and Seed. Each week in February, one sector is featured. This week, the spotlight is on the chip sector.

The Little Potato Company, the number one little potato brand in North America, is kicking off a year-long 30th anniversary celebration with the unveiling of a new anniversary logo.

Intralox and Conveyor & Automation Technologies modernized Herr Foods end-of-line operations, boosting throughput 25% to 150 cpm, expanding to 20 lines and 600 SKUs, saving USD 650k+ annually, and improving safety—within the existing footprint.

Tom Wild of Wild Seed Farms Inc., Antigo, Wisconsin, and Gary and Lynda Bula, owners of Gary Bula Farms Inc., Oxford, were inducted into the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) Hall of Fame

SNAC International has announced the education session lineup for SNX26, highlighting the legal, regulatory, political and consumer forces shaping the snack industry in 2026 and beyond.