News on Research

Agrico has opened a new potato research centre in the Netherlands. The facility will support faster breeding of disease-resistant, climate-resilient potato varieties, strengthening innovation and Dutch food security.

NEIKER researchers in the PataFEST project evaluated potato varieties for resistance to black dot, silver scurf and Fusarium dry rot. The studies identified varieties with greater resistance, offering insights for potato breeding and storage methods.

Agrico will host its International Variety and Seedling Show in the Netherlands from November 4–6, showcasing new potato varieties, breeding innovations and global cooperation under the theme 'Varieties of Life.'

World Potato Congress 2026 opened in Naivasha, Kenya, bringing together delegates from nearly 70 countries to explore potato research, agricultural innovation, sustainability and global partnerships for food security, nutrition and trade.

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.

PAPAS researchers spotlight Idaho’s pale cyst nematode challenge in AGDAILY, highlighting trap crops, biofumigation, resistant varieties, and integrated strategies to advance eradication and protect potato production.

Backbone and Polysense partner to connect real-time production data with AI-driven quality management, helping food manufacturers improve safety, reduce waste, increase yields, and make faster, data-driven decisions.

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.

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.

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.

World Potato Congress launches the 'Growing the Future' Youth Engagement & 4K Club Program in Kenya, bringing 40 students from 10 schools together to learn potato production, compete in five categories and build a lasting agricultural legacy.

PotatoEurope 2026 and SugarBeet Expo opened in Germany, showcasing innovations for climate-resilient root-crop production. DLG President Paetow highlighted drought, pests, global markets and the need for competitive, sustainable farming systems.

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.

Messe Berlin and NürnbergMesse will launch FRUIT LOGISTICA Connect India alongside BIOFACH INDIA in Mumbai on May 25–27, 2028, creating a joint platform for India's fresh produce and organic food sectors and international business.

WPC 2026 preparations are accelerating in Kenya, with the Farmers Field Day at FreshCrop taking shape alongside new speakers, partners and international registrations ahead of the global potato Congress in Naivasha.

Scottish researchers led by the University of Glasgow have developed a bacteriocin-based treatment to suppress potato blackleg and soft rot. Supported by IBioIC the research has led to spin-out Casdu Crop Solutions.

Marieke Hoste, VAVI's new director, will make her first Potato Demo Day visit, highlighting collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing. She says the Dutch potato sector can tackle policy, sustainability and market challenges together.