News on Potatoes for processing from the Americas

Se trata de un evento esponsorizado por las principales marcas del rubro y la participación de los principales actores del sector en la capital nacional de la papa.

Agristo has officially broken ground on its new potato processing facility in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The project is expected to create 300–350 jobs, process 275,000 tons of potatoes annually, and begin production in fall 2029.

Global demand for frozen French fries grow steadily in 2026 driven by QSR expansion, retail frozen food sales and convenience trends. Rising consumption supports processing potato demand despite supply volatility, higher costs and climate risks.

Agristo has extended construction of its frozen potato processing plant in Grand Forks by one year, with production now scheduled for fall 2029. Construction and hiring continue as the facility prepares to process 275,000 tons of potatoes annually.

NOAA has confirmed El Niño, expected to strengthen through 2026–27. The global potato industry is monitoring impacts on yields, disease pressure, processing quality, storage, and supply chains while accelerating climate resilience efforts.

Peru has begun construction of a native potato processing plant in Huancavelica aimed at adding value to the crop, strengthening local producers and opening up new market opportunities.

La Asociación Churacan de Huánuco concretó su primera venta directa de más de seis toneladas de papa amarilla Tumbay a Inkacrop, con apoyo de MIDAGRI y Agromercado, abriendo un nuevo canal formal para pequeños productores familiares.

Del 22 al 24 de junio de 2026 en el Auditorio del Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria (INIA), se realizará el V Congreso Nacional de la Papa.

En Mendoza, el encuentro “Habemus Papas II” impulsó la creación de un clúster papero orientado a mejorar la productividad, diversificar la producción con papines andinos y articular al sector a través de innovación, sostenibilidad y vínculos entre productores, industria e instituciones.

Lamb Weston has appointed Ashley H. as Vice President of Global Agriculture. With over 20 years at the company, she will lead global agriculture strategy and operations, ensuring a sustainable and reliable supply of high-quality potatoes worldwide.

Chip potato movement remains slow and steady as the industry transitions from storage potatoes to new-crop potatoes.

Groundbreaking took place for a 200,000 cwt (20M lb) potato storage site near Linton, North Dakota. Led by Troy Hansen, the project will support Jamestown processing and aims to be operational by Sept. 2026.

Taiwan says imported processing potatoes must meet the same quarantine standards as domestic supply, with any tubers showing sprouting, rot or mold required to be removed and destroyed, according to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency.

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.

During Potato Lover's Month, NPGA is recognizing the growers who contribute to the region’s four key sectors: Fresh, Processing, Chip, and Seed. Each week in February, one sector is featured. This week, the spotlight is on the chip sector.

Dallas hosted the event amid political uncertainty, tariffs, strained trade ties and migrant labour crackdowns, while the Trump administration provided nearly USD 40 billion in farm aid, though none was specifically directed at potato production sector.

McCain Foods has released its 2025 Global Sustainability Report, sharing progress toward its sustainability commitments with the completion of a key pledge made in 2021, and outlines refreshed sustainability targets to 2030.

Embrapa has introduced the BRS F21 potato cultivar to meet the needs of growers and the processing industry. The variety combines high yield potential, disease resistance and strong frying performance, particularly for chips and shoestring potatoes.