News on The Potato Supply Chain from Northern America

The World Potato Congress will host a webinar on Dec 10, 2025, where Dr. Christine Noronha shares research showing how crop rotation reduces wireworm damage in potatoes, highlighting her innovative pest management advances and key field results.

The 58th Idaho Potato Conference will be held Jan. 21–22 in Pocatello, featuring panels, research updates, a trade show and sessions on soil-borne diseases, agronomy, storage and water issues. Registration is USD 40 before Jan. 14.

Kroeker Farms announces a CEO transition: Wayne Rempel becomes Senior Advisor after decades of leadership, and COO Harwin Bouwman is appointed CEO effective Dec 1, 2025.

Alongside a roasted turkey and stuffing, a traditional Thanksgiving meal in the United States usually includes sweet potatoes glazed with butter and brown sugar and topped with toasted mini marshmallows.

Sobeys has named Peak of the Market its 2024 Best Local Produce Supply Partner in Manitoba. Store managers recognized Peak for its quality, reliability, and strong relationship with Sobeys, highlighting their shared commitment to delivering fresh local produce.

November is Sweet Potato Awareness Month. It coincides with the heart of harvest season and Thanksgiving, a food-centered holiday, Dr. W. Jinnings Burruss Jr., assistant professor of food service at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB)

Row 7 Seed Company launches its vibrant purple Starling sweet potato at East Coast Whole Foods. Developed by NC State, Starling blends creamy sweetness with rich flavor and antioxidant-packed color. It joins Row 7’s fall lineup of flavor-driven organic produce.

People rarely think of Washington when talking about potatoes. Yet much of what happens in the fields— from fertilizer prices to seed genetics— is shaped, directly or indirectly, by decisions made in the U.S. capital.

Sweet potatoes have a long and meaningful history in the United States. Originating in Central and South America, the crop reached North America centuries ago and quickly became valued for its resilience, nutritional density, and natural sweetness.

EarthFresh launches Canada’s first-ever Butter Potatoes—Butter Golds, Reds, and Russets—offering naturally creamy, buttery flavor with no added butter needed. Available nationwide in sustainable packs, they redefine taste, texture, and versatility.

McCain Foods has agreed to acquire Penobscot McCrum LLC, expanding its North American operations. The deal adds McCrum’s modern Washburn, Maine, facility to McCain’s network, strengthening supply, innovation, and support for local farmers.

Potato Expo 2026, North America’s largest potato industry event, heads to Dallas Jan. 6–8. Featuring 180 exhibitors, 30+ sessions, and major networking, it unites the global potato supply chain to drive innovation, advocacy, and collaboration.

Plant Grow Harvest has announced the expansion of its potato portfolio and year-round fresh supply through the launch of two dynamic consumer brands and advancements in its proprietary seed breeding program.

Aroostook County has long been referred to as Maine’s Potato Empire. Because of the relatively short season in the County and its rich, fertile soil, potatoes became the dominant crop as non-indigenous settlement increased in the 19th century.

As harvest begins across the country, it’s go time for growers, agronomists, and farm managers—an ideal moment to showcase the versatility of the Soiltech Beacon, often called the Swiss Army Knife of ag sensors, shining brightest during harvest.

APH Group, a global dealer organization for agricultural machinery and installations, has opened a sales and service office in Grafton, North Dakota, expanding its presence into the Red River Valley region.

Lethbridge researchers study how heat waves and hail affect potato crops. Dr. Neilson finds timing is key, with storms during tuber growth reducing quality. His work aims to create tools to help farmers assess risks and boost crop resilience.

Calantha, a new RNA-based sprayable pesticide, effectively kills Colorado potato beetles while sparing beneficial insects. Most effective on small larvae, it offers a sustainable, targeted solution to combat resistant crop pests.