Potato News from the United States

Farmers, researchers and members of the public gathered at the University of Maine’s Aroostook Research Farm in Presque Isle last Wednesday to learn about the latest in potato research.

This year, equipment manufacturer Idaho Steel celebrates its 100-year anniversary...

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists in Albany, California, have found a way to streamline the process that scientists use to insert multiple genes into a crop plant. Simplot is planning to use it to introduce multiple genes into potatoes to make them resistant to late blight

J.R. Simplot has acquired a license for CRISPR-Cas9 and related gene editing tools. This provides Simplot with another avenue to add desirable traits to fruits and vegetables, including potatoes.

Indra Nooyi will step down as CEO of Pepsico on October 3rd, but will remain Chairman until early 2019 to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. She will be succeeded by Ramon Laguarta.

Tasteful Selections, a pioneer in the growing bite-size potato category, announces another facility expansion to accommodate growing customer and consumer demand.

According to the latest numbers provided by potatoes USA, the total volume of potatoes sold at retail in the United States was down 3.2% in June 2018 compared to June 2017, though the value did increase 1.1%.

RD Offutt, the largest potato producer in Minnesota, is backing away from a controversial expansion in the State just south of the Mississippi River headwaters after state regulators insisted on an environmental study of the potential contamination of groundwater.

PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division will invest $159 million in Frankfort, Indiana to enhance its current operations at two locations in this US city. The investment will add two new snack production lines and also include warehouse expansion, providing 50 new jobs.

Earlier this month Texas A&M held its annual Potato Field Day where it presented a range of new potato varieties.

La papa a la francesa perfecta es crujiente por afuera y esponjosa por dentro. Pero una papa que se entrega a domicilio con frecuencia es fría, blanda y mustia. Lamb Weston, el fabricante número uno de esos manjares de papa en Estados Unidos, quiere mejorar la comida rápida.

Key Technology, a member of the Duravant family of operating companies, announces the promotion of Bret Larreau to the position of Director of Latin America and Asia Sales.

Despite widely fluctuating temperatures and a lack of rain, the executive director of the Maine Potato Board said Monday that the state’s potato crop remains healthy.

Four of the largest food companies in the United States have launched the Sustainable Food Policy Alliance, a new organization focused on driving progress in public policies that shape what people eat and how it impacts their health, communities, and the planet.

Dehydrated potato manufacturer Idahoan Foods has filed lawsuit against its insurer related to a 2016 fire at the Idaho Supreme potato dehydration plant in Firth.

About five years ago, Jeanne and Matt Rue were frying batches of chips in a deep fryer from their farm in Ohio and selling them at local farmer’s markets and festivals.
Now, Rue Farms Rustic Potato Chips are sold across at least seven states in the Midwest at national chains including Kroger, Whole Foods and Fresh Thyme Farmers Market

Idaho potato fields looked good as of early July as plants closed in over rows, signaling the tubers are preparing to grow strongly amid the hot-day, cool-night march toward harvest.

Better Made Snack Foods is extending its reach well beyond its home base of Michigan. Its chips and snack products are now available in 14 additional US States.