Potato News from Northern America

In the United States, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Environmental Protection Agency Deputy Administrator Stan Meiburg have announced the first-ever national food waste reduction goal, calling for a 50% reduction by 2030.

Today ConAgra Foods, Inc., (NYSE: CAG) reported results for the fiscal 2016 first quarter ended August 30, 2015. The report refers to 'good sales and operating profit performance [for its commercial Foods Segment], primarily due to strong volumes, favorable mix, and efficiencies for Lamb Weston.

Heat and Control helps out potato chip manufacturers with limited space with this new compact speed washer for potato slices that doubles as a blancher.

Canada's potato company famous for its small potatoes - the Little Potato Company - has partnered with CTV's The Marilyn Denis Show and Masterchef Canada's Michael Bonacini to create The Little Chef Casting call, an opportunity for young cooks to have a chance to appear on TV and win a culinary trip of a lifetime

Un estudio realizado por investigadores de la Universidad Estatal de Pennsylvania y la Universidad de Colorado, reveló que compuestos presentes en las papas moradas ayudarían a matar las células madre del cáncer de colon.

The Doritos brand, in partnership with the It Gets Better Project, announced a new, limited-edition product to celebrate and support the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in the boldest, most colorful way possible.

This year, potato yields should be slightly above average in the Canadian prairie provinces Manitoba and Alberta, but figures aren’t available because the harvest is only 10 to 15 percent complete.

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is changing the name of the Fruit and Vegetable Program to the Specialty Crops Program effective immediately. Because of the expansion of products covered, the program name is being changed to be more inclusive.

Live Better Brands will present new better-for-you products in a range of innovative fall flavorsat the Natural Products Expo East trade show

Boulder Canyon™ Foods introduces a revolutionary new food concept with the launch of its first functional food snack chip, called Protein Crisps.

Alsum Farms & Produce Inc. will introduce 12 oz. Microwave-Ready Russet Potatoes at the Southeast Produce Council's (SEPC) Southern Innovations Symposium Bright Ideas Platform September 17 - 19, 2015.

Equipment Manufacturer Triple/S Dynamics has announced the appointment of Chris Rippee as new President, succeeding Jeff Sullivan. Mr. Rippee has officially moved into the office September 14th.

Fresh Solution Network has expanded its line of Side Delights Gourmet Petite Potatoes line with two new offerings, Sweet Fingerlings and Choice Russets.

Frito-Lay is bringing the Canadian favorite Ruffles 'All Dressed' Chips to the US for a limited time - and some funny videos to go with that.

The discovery of needles and nails in potatoes in a suspected case of food tampering earlier this year in Atlantic Canada have heightened the awareness of consumers and media alike. The latest case, reported by CBC Nova Scotia, is the finding of metal object in mashed potatoes in a Halifax restaurant.

Potato grower R.D. Offutt has agreed to scale back its expansion plans in Minnesota in a deal with regulators to protect sensitive groundwater and pine forests in central Minnesota.

Accurately weigh 0.5 to 50 gram portions at up to 120 per minute using the new Ishida Micro multihead weigher from Heat and Control, Inc.

With digging season just around the corner, eastern Idaho potato farmers say they are optimistic they will improve on a middling 2014 harvest this year.