News on Potato Cultivation

Zimbabwe harvested 100,055 t. of potatoes in the 2025/26 summer season, raising average yields to 29 t/ha. Expanding production to meet winter targets will depend on greater access to certified seed, irrigation, storage, processing, and investment.

Aviko's 2026 Annual Growers' Meeting reviewed the 2025 harvest, announced pool prices, and discussed market developments ahead of the 2026 crop. The meeting also highlighted collaboration across the potato value chain.

Digitalization, precision machinery, and AI are reshaping potato production. The article highlights advances in planting, crop care, harvesting, storage, and optical sorting that improve efficiency, quality, and labor productivity.

Agristo has joined the Potato Sustainability Alliance (PSA) as a Processor Member, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable potato production. The move supports industry collaboration as Agristo expands its first U.S. processing facility.

Researchers from the University of Tokyo and Kubota developed a drone- and AI-based system to predict potato yields before harvest. Using drone imagery, machine learning, and growth modeling, it enables accurate, non-destructive yield forecasting.

La cosecha de papa en Salamanca comenzará formalmente la próxima semana en un contexto de incertidumbre productiva y de precios, marcado por diferencias entre zonas, competencia con cosechas tardías de Andalucía y Toledo, excedentes franceses y valores más bajos que en años anteriores.

La Asociación Brasileña de Papas Frescas (Abbin) organizará Conexão Batata Brasileira 2026 en Campinas los días 20 y 21 de noviembre. El evento reunirá a la cadena de la papa con una feria comercial, foros técnicos y actividades de networking.

El MIDA señaló que los rendimientos y la participación de los productores son fundamentales para el éxito. En los últimos cinco años, esta participación aumentó un 70%, lo que equivale a 130 productores con una tasa acumulada del 11.3%.

Around 70 Dutch seed potato growers watched an autonomous robot identify virus-infected plants during a field demonstration. The robot marks infected plants for easier manual removal, while automated removal is being explored for future versions.

NEPG reports an 11% decline in European ware potato plantings for 2026 as growers cut acreage to rebalance oversupplied markets. The group warns low contract prices and rising production costs threaten farm viability.

Picketa Systems, a Canadian agtech startup, raised an oversubscribed USD 2.1M round led by Tall Grass Ventures to expand its real-time crop nutrient platform (LENS) across North America, helping farmers optimize fertilizer use amid rising prices.

World Potato Congress extended the early bird registration deadline for its 2026 congress in Naivasha to 6 July. The event will feature technical tours, including Farmer Field Day, and bring together global potato industry delegates and farmers.

Europe’s potato sector faces pressure as temperatures exceed 40°C in key growing regions. With crops in critical growth stages, prolonged heat and drought could cut yields, affect quality, and increase irrigation needs, raising supply concerns.

AVR has strengthened its Dutch dealer network by appointing Kamps de Wild Beilen as its official dealer. The company takes over the former Selles Agrotechniek territory, boosting sales, service, parts availability and customer support.

Potato Business School completed its June 15–18 international training course, giving participants practical experience across the potato value chain through presentations, company visits and hands-on sessions.

The invasive serpentine leafminer has been detected in Tasmania for the first time after being found at a commercial grower in the state's north-west. The pest attacks more than 200 plant species, including potatoes, and can reduce crop yields.

Kettle Brand’s Tater Tracker™ lets consumers trace potatoes to the farm where they were grown. By entering a code on the bag, users can meet the farmers and explore regenerative practices, including cover crops and pollinator habitats in action.

Ohalo and Allied Potato form a strategic partnership to advance Boosted potato breeding, combining Ohalo Boosted Breeding platform with Allied Potato expertise to develop higher-yield disease-resistant potatoes and explore potato seed systems.