Potato News from the Americas

World Potato Congress Inc. will host a webinar on May 15, 2026, on planning for the International Day of the Potato, featuring FAO’s Makiko Taguchi and potato expert Dr André Devaux.

Potatoes USA has opened nominations for new board members for the 2027 term. The board is seeking nominees to fill 55 open seats, with all terms beginning in March 2027. The Potatoes USA board is currently seeking qualified nominees to succeed outgoing members in several states.

El agro mexicano enfrenta una campaña de siembras con fuertes aumentos en fertilizantes y agroquímicos, menor rentabilidad y mayor dependencia de importaciones, en un contexto que amenaza con reducir la producción local y presionar la inflación alimentaria.

Modified Atmosphere Packaging helps U.S food manufacturers extend shelf life, preserve freshness, and ensure quality. However, filling packages with the right gas mix is only part of the process-testing the gas inside is essential to maintain safety.

United States potato growers are facing continued pressure from rising production costs, labor expenses and oversupply in several sectors of the potato industry, according to the National Potato Council.

Residents in Woodstock, New Brunswick, are seeking legal action over noise, odour and traffic concerns related to the Covered Bridge Potato Chips production facility.

Chip potato movement remains slow and steady as the industry transitions from storage potatoes to new-crop potatoes.

Utz Brands reported Q1 2026 net sales growth of 2.6% to USD 361.3 million, while branded salty snacks sales rose 5.2%. The company improved margins and cash flow performance and reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance.

Americold’s 2025 Sustainability Report highlights a 21% emissions cut since 2021, expanded renewable energy use, USD 23 Million in efficiency upgrades, improved safety metrics, and strong facility reliability driven by data and engineering.

Urschel will return to the National Restaurant Association Show from May 16-19, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, where the company will showcase a range of Urschel and KRONEN cutting and food processing solutions at Booth 2448.

The Little Potato Company launches a dedicated Foodservice Solutions division, offering versatile Little Potatoes, sous-vide options, and bulk packs to help operators boost efficiency, cut prep time, and ensure consistent quality across menus.

Utz Quality Foods, LLC is recalling limited Zapp’s and Dirty chips after a seasoning ingredient may contain Salmonella. No illnesses reported. Consumers should not eat affected products and can request refunds.

The visit by a delegation from Qinghai University and Yunnan Agricultural University is focused on academic exchange, technological advancement, and the development of joint projects.

PepsiCo y Yara Colombia impulsan un piloto con fertilizantes de baja huella de carbono en cultivos de papa para reducir emisiones, mejorar la productividad y optimizar el uso de recursos en la cadena de suministro.

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed five new potato varieties designed to strengthen the United States potato chip supply through improved disease resistance, storage performance and processing reliability.

General Mills agreed to sell its Brazil business to 3corações, including brands Yoki and Kitano. The deal is expected to close by the end of 2026, pending approvals.

AVR has named Farm Power Equipment Inc. its exclusive Ontario dealer, boosting local support, parts access & service for potato growers, effective immediately.

Groundbreaking took place for a 200,000 cwt (20M lb) potato storage site near Linton, North Dakota. Led by Troy Hansen, the project will support Jamestown processing and aims to be operational by Sept. 2026.