News on Potato Varieties and Seed from the Americas

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.

A new potato variety, CIP-Asiryq, developed by the International Potato Center and Indigenous farmers in Peru, resists late blight, cuts fungicide use, cooks faster, and boosts farmer income, offering a climate-resilient solution worldwide.

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.

In recent years, the global potato industry has entered a phase of rapid consolidation. Mergers, acquisitions, and geographic expansions are redefining who produces, who decides, and who supplies.

Scientists have decoded the sweetpotato’s complex hexaploid genome, revealing its mixed ancestry and resilience traits. This breakthrough offers powerful tools for breeders to boost yield, nutrition, and climate resistance, securing food futures.

NDSU’s new yellow potato variety, ND1241-1Y, bred by Susie Thompson in the Red River Valley, offers uniform, round tubers with rich color and flavor. It chips well from field or storage and suits the region’s short season. Commercial release may come soon.

Lay’s unveils its biggest redesign in nearly 100 years, celebrating its farm-to-chip heritage. With real, farm-grown potatoes, new natural recipes, and refreshed packaging, Lay’s commits to no artificial flavors or colors in the U.S. by 2025.

Potatoes USA reports strong seed export growth. Golden Globe registered in Cuba, Soraya next. New sales in Panama, Nicaragua & Uruguay follow trials. Future trials planned in Dominican Republic & Honduras, including the variety Sound.

Cornell marks 160 years of potato breeding, creating 50+ varieties—including top U.S. chip potatoes and nematode-resistant strains. Farmer partnerships and USDA support drive innovation, boosting sustainability and the USD 100B U.S. potato industry.

Los productores de papa de la Asociación Frutihortícola y Pecuaria de Ybytymí (Paraguarí), que reúne a 205 familias, alertan sobre una plaga que afecta sus cultivos, amenaza la economía campesina y agrava sus deudas.

P.E.I. potato farmers face major crop losses as drought grips the island. With only 10% irrigated land, yields are falling below average. Farmers like Andrew Lawless expect 30% losses, warning climate change demands urgent investment in irrigation.

El gobierno de Colombia lanzó un plan de apoyo para pequeños productores de papa en Nariño, que incluye compra pública a precio justo y apertura de nuevos mercados para enfrentar la crisis generada por el contrabando y los bajos precios.

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.

Potatoes are the main vegetable crop in Uruguay, where production volume (20% of total vegetables), level of consumption (30 kg/inhabitant/year), and nutritional benefits make potatoes a staple food that contributes to food security.

Una iniciativa joven articulada a través del Biomuseo de la Papa Nativa ha permitido salvaguardar este invaluable tesoro genético.