News on Potato Varieties and Seed

INTERPOM 2026 will bring 332 exhibitors from 15 countries to Kortrijk, Belgium, from November 29 to December 1, focusing on potato industry resilience, market challenges, innovation, water management and the future of potato processing.

Royal HZPC Group researches the nutrient needs of potato varieties to develop tailored fertilization recommendations. This aims to improve yield and quality while reducing fertilizer use and environmental impact through data-driven insights.

Peru’s CIP has deposited another 1,027 seed accessions at Norway’s Svalbard Global Seed Vault, backing up 91% of its collection. Witnessed by Peru’s Ambassador, the deposit safeguards crop diversity and future food security.

The Netherlands will host a dedicated lounge at Global Potato Summit 2026 in Gujarat, India, on December 16–17, connecting Dutch companies with Indian partners to promote cooperation in seed potatoes, processing, storage, and innovation.

Belgian potato exporters are targeting UK demand for premium convenience foods. Innovative frozen, fresh-processed and airfryer-friendly products, alongside private-label expertise, are creating growth opportunities as domestic supply falls short.

Europatat welcomes GPK Agrohellas as its first-ever member from Greece. Specialising in certified seed potatoes since 1999, the company supplies Greek growers with varieties for table potatoes, fries and crisps.

Royal HZPC Group has patented a potato innovation with increased levels of natural antioxidants, particularly kaempferol, while retaining traditional flesh colour. The development could benefit both fresh and processed potato markets.

Agrico's Michel de Bruin says strong potato sectors need more than quality seed, highlighting the importance of farmer knowledge, functioning markets, enabling regulations and flexible approaches tailored to local conditions.

India and the Netherlands are strengthening cooperation in the seed sector through the India–Netherlands Seed Partnership. A recent mission included ministerial talks and a seed-sector business roundtable focused on future collaboration.

EarthFresh Butter Potatoes are gaining momentum across North America, reaching over 4 million households. With acreage up 40% and 100% incremental sales, the premium lineup offers retailers new opportunities to grow the potato category.

ICAR-CPRI's Kufri Jyoti, Kufri Bahar, Kufri Pukhraj and Kufri Chipsona-1 together cover nearly 75% of India's potato cultivation area. The varieties have boosted productivity, farmer incomes and the potato processing sector.

PAU Ludhiana has released four potato varieties—PP-101, PP-102, PP-103 and PP-104. Yields range from 142–184 quintals/acre, with PP-103 offering early harvest and PP-104 moderate late-blight resistance. Seed is now available.

India and Tajikistan are exploring cooperation in potato research, quality seed production and aeroponics technology, with proposed CPRI Shimla visits and training to boost agricultural knowledge and technology exchange.

HZPC France has begun construction of a new greenhouse in Ruisseauville to produce up to 2 million mini potato tubers, supporting greater production autonomy, improved quality and faster marketing capacity in France.

Uttar Pradesh plans a dedicated potato export facility at Noida International Airport in Jewar, along with a 50-acre Agri Export Hub featuring processing, packaging and gamma-radiation treatment facilities.

Royal HZPC Group highlights how potato breeding can reduce disease pressure and crop protection needs, while Integrated Crop Management and climate adaptation help build more resilient and sustainable production systems.

The National Potato Congress 2026 will bring together the Mexican potato sector from October 14 to 16 in Mexico City to address innovation, productivity, sustainability and commercialization.

Calbee Potato expects Hokkaido’s 2026 processing potato crop to reach 240,000–250,000 tons, with better quality and yields than 2025. Favorable temperatures and rainfall have boosted growth, although heavy rain remains a major harvest risk now.