News on The Potato Supply Chain

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.

El reconocimiento oficial a Guarapuava refleja décadas de desarrollo basado en tecnología, cooperativismo y condiciones agroclimáticas favorables, consolidándola como referente clave en la producción de papa en Brasil.

At the end of March, potato growers in Brazil are adjusting their strategies in response to the combined impact of adverse weather, input cost pressures, and a market with lower quality and weaker prices, despite advances in innovation.

The European potato market is facing a significant surplus that is putting pressure on prices, weakening demand, and forcing strategic adjustments amid growing stocks and the arrival of the new harvest.

El proyecto Papa Nativa enfrenta el impacto del clima y el aumento de plagas en Huánuco, impulsando medidas fitosanitarias, mejoras en la calidad de semilla y estrategias comerciales para sostener la producción y acceder a nuevos mercados.

After a 2025 marked by oversupply and falling prices, Argentina’s potato sector is reducing planted area by 12% in the southeast of Buenos Aires to restore balance, efficiency, and sustainability in the 2025/2026 season.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.