News on Potato Varieties and Seed

New trials in Europe will evaluate genetically modified potatoes with enhanced resistance to diseases such as late blight, aiming to reduce pesticide use and provide evidence for the regulatory debate on new genomic techniques.

La campaña de patata temprana en España arrancó en el Campo de Cartagena con la variedad Soprano, destacada por su alta calidad y versatilidad, en una muestra de la resiliencia y capacidad competitiva de los productores locales.

A growing population, increased export demand, adoption of technologies, and increased breeding of improved varieties provide opportunities for the Kenyan potato industry, according to Severino Manene, Kenya’s Assistant Director for Agriculture

More than 30 producers and representatives from the frozen pre-fried industry took part in a field day organized by HZPC, Brometan, and Tecnoriego.

Breeders Trust warns of rising online sales of uncertified seed potatoes via Facebook groups, where ware potatoes are sold for planting, raising concerns over regulation and plant breeders' rights.

Clara Polzer moved from Munich to Friesland this summer for her new position as Head of Breeding Fresh Markets at HZPC Research. During the interview, the German thirty-something already speaks Dutch well.

EUROPLANT once again demonstrates its innovative strength by consistently translating advanced breeding results into tangible market success. This is based on close collaboration across the entire EUROPLANT Group

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 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.

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.

Van der Linde family grows its seed potato business in Krummhörn through innovation, quality, and strong partnership with HZPC, expanding from 45 to 196 hectares while investing in modern storage, sorting, and sustainable farming technologies.

Behind every French fry lies a world of innovation. From the first cross in the greenhouse to the perfectly fried product on a dinner plate – it’s a journey that depends on knowledge, technology, and collaboration.

Northwest Europe faces a potato oversupply after acreage expanded to over 600,000 ha, adding about 5 million tons since 2022. Jan van Hoogen says growers should reduce acreage and be patient for two years while the market finds balance.

El Gobierno Vasco presentó el Plan de la Patata y su Plan de I+D+i durante el V Foro AKIS en Arkaute, con amplio respaldo del sector, con el objetivo de reforzar la rentabilidad, impulsar la innovación y asegurar el futuro de la patata de siembra en Álava.

Across the Andean highlands and southern Chile, rural women safeguard the diversity of native potatoes. Their work sustains biodiversity that feeds communities and preserves cultural heritage across generations.

El 5 de marzo, el Foro AKIS reunirá en el Campus de Arkaute a productores, empresas e instituciones para presentar y debatir el Plan Sectorial de la Patata, con foco en el Plan de I+D+i de la patata de siembra, promoviendo la colaboración y la transferencia de conocimiento para fortalecer la competitividad del sector en Euskadi.

The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board conducted a February 3-6, 2026 harvest trial to assess improved potato varieties Ndamira and Victoria for higher yields and stronger resistance to late blight across multiple site.

ICAR–Central Potato Research Institute, Regional Station, Modipuram, Meerut, organized a one-day National Potato Fair–2026 on the occasion of National Potato Day, bringing together farmers, scientists, industry representatives and other stakeholders.