News on The Potato Supply Chain

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Maine marked its 206th birthday on March 15, 2026, celebrating its admission as the 23rd state of the United States in 1820. While blueberries symbolize the state, potatoes remain a vital part of Maine’s agricultural heritage and economy.

Belgian potato groups launched a campaign to tackle large surpluses after high production and weak demand. On April 18, consumers can buy 5 kg for EUR 2 directly from growers, with half of proceeds donated to Food Banks.

The Idaho Potato Commission board approved an increase to its budget for the fiscal year ending August 31, following strong potato production in 2025 and continued momentum in the market.

El exceso de oferta en Europa, especialmente desde Francia, junto a las dificultades climáticas, está obligando al sector de la patata en España a reforzar los contratos y ajustar sus estrategias comerciales ante un mercado más incierto.

Patatas Lázaro, empresa familiar valenciana con más de 80 años en el sector agroalimentario, ha obtenido la Medalla de Oro de EcoVadis, situándose entre el 5% de las compañías con mejor desempeño en sostenibilidad a nivel global.

Colombia has revoked all anti-dumping duties on frozen fries from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands, fully restoring EU market access. This ends a six-year WTO dispute and reopens trade worth €19.3M (USD 21M) annually under full MPIA compliance.

Potato producers in the Red River Valley of Minnesota and North Dakota are facing delays in securing seasonal workers through the H-2A visa program, raising concerns about potential impacts on the 2026 crop year.

Kyrgyzstan says there is no basis to curb potato imports from China, citing WTO rules and no proven relabeling. Officials urged farmers to sell stored stocks fast, as new harvests and growing trade with China, including corn exports, lift supply.

China has restricted fertilizer exports to protect its domestic market, adding further pressure to global supply chains already affected by disruptions linked to the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. China is one of the world’s largest fertilizer exporters, shipping more than USD 13 billion worth last year.

Ethiopia potato cooperatives are rebuilding after conflict, with farmers in Tigray and the Gamo Zone using improved seed, training and finance to restore production and strengthen food security.

The World Potato Congress Inc. is now calling for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from parties interested in hosting the 15th and 16th World Potato Congresses to be held in 2030 and 2032.

Potato farmers across the Rangpur region in Bangladesh faced a difficult Eid period as unsold harvests, low market prices and mounting losses overshadowed festive celebrations.

Iran war disruption in the Strait of Hormuz threatens global food security as Gulf fertiliser exports are hit. Rising urea prices and supply shortages could cut crop yields in India, Brazil and China, pushing food costs higher worldwide.

In the field of active soil cultivation, GRIMME presents the new generation of rotary tiller, the GF series, with the ‘Go-Clean concept’. The new generation combines the previous models of the GR and GF series in one machine.

Alimentado con energía solar y equipado con sensores y aprendizaje automático, el robot es capaz de monitorear cultivos de papa y apoyar la agricultura de precisión.

La fuerte subida del precio del gasóleo y de los fertilizantes está obligando a muchos agricultores a replantear sus siembras e incluso reducir superficies ante el riesgo de que los costos superen la rentabilidad de los cultivos.

La Ruta de la Papa 2026 reunirá en marzo en Vargem Grande do Sul a productores, investigadores y analistas del sector para debatir innovación, sanidad y perspectivas de mercado de la papa en Brasil.