News on The Potato Supply Chain from Northern America

Renaissance BioScience Corp. secured an Australian patent on Sept 4, 2025, for its yeast-based RNA platform, targeting the Colorado Potato Beetle with eco-friendly biopesticides. It also eyes animal and human health markets.

En 2025, la superficie sembrada de papa en EE. UU. cayó a su nivel más bajo en más de 70 años, con 369.000 hectáreas, aunque los altos rendimientos previstos mitigarán el impacto en la producción total.

United States retail sales of potatoes maintained strong volume over the nine months from July 2024 to March 2025. Despite a small (-0.5%) drop in dollar sales to USD 14.72 billion

Drought across Maine, with 80% of the state affected, threatens potato harvests. Experts warn stunted growth, urging irrigation. The USD 1.3 Billion industry faces risks as relief isn’t expected until early autumn.

Agristo, a leading Belgian potato processor with six global branches, will invest USD 450M in its first North American facility in Grand Forks. Construction starts 2026, with production set for fall 2028.

Strategic partnership between Oxbo and Allan Equipment. Enhanced product portfolio to meet the demand of potato growers. Complementary strengths leveraging Allan’s technical innovation with Oxbo’s network.

False claims suggest Canada cut potato exports to the U.S. and signed a $1.6B Asia deal. No such deal exists. The U.S. remains the top market, with only a 17% dip in 2025 exports, not 41%. Under CUSMA, tariffs don’t apply. Viral posts are clickbait.

A Canadian study shows regenerative practices in potato farming boost soil health, yields and carbon capture. Trials found plant diversity raises marketable yield and resilience without more diseases, supporting long term farm viability

The Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) is proud to announce Hannah Johnson, a Ph.D. candidate at Washington State University, as the recipient of the organization's 2025-26 academic scholarship. 

Wisconsin red and yellow potato harvest is underway at Alsum Farms in Adams, Wis. with the first potato loads being washed, graded, and packed for fresh market delivery to distribution centers and retail grocers.

NPC invites proposals for Potato Expo 2026 sessions on innovation, tech, trends & collaboration. Formats: 20–40 min talks or panels. Submit by Sept 12; notifications by Oct 10. Topics: production, trade, tech, research, policy & more.

The University of Manitoba has named Dr. Linda Schott as the first UM Research Chair in Potato Sustainability, a key role focused on educating students and promoting innovation and sustainability in Manitoba’s growing potato industry.

Gov. Mills and UMaine leaders reopened the modernized Aroostook Farm after a USD 3 Million upgrade, boosting Maine’s potato research with advanced tech to speed new variety development like the Caribou Russet, supporting jobs and the agri-economy.

After years of effort, the USDA has officially deregulated a 120-acre field near Shelley, Idaho, from the state's pale cyst nematode (PCN) quarantine program, marking a major milestone in the fight against this potato pest.

Lawmakers toured Aroostook County to explore Maine’s potato industry, seeing innovative tech and learning how policy affects farming. The trip aimed to boost understanding of agricultural challenges and support.

Joseph Ifeanyi Ulasi leads a groundbreaking project to boost late blight resistance in diploid potatoes by introgressing novel Rpi genes from wild species. Using Solanum verrucosum as a genetic bridge, he advances resilient breeding for future crops.

Simplot plans to acquire Belgium-based Clarebout Potatoes, uniting two family-owned frozen potato leaders. The move aims to boost European market presence and sustainability, with operations continuing and expanding across 23 global sites.

Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the Texas A&M Potato Breeding Program, Barrett Potato Farms and Springlake Potatoes Inc. will host the annual Texas Potato Field Day on July 16 in Springlake.