News on Research

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.

GB Potatoes has opened applications for its 2027 Potato Industry Development Programme. The three-part programme covers potato production processing research and agricultural policy across England Scotland and London.

TecnoPapa se perfila como un nuevo punto de encuentro para la cadena papera, con una propuesta práctica y a campo que busca acercar innovación, tecnología y conocimiento a productores y empresas.

Lam Dong, Viet Nam, approved the export of 27,952 potato seeds from 23 breeding lines to India for research. The shipment by the Potato, Vegetable and Flower Research Center supports breeding, variety testing, and potato innovation.

Washington potato exports have dropped about 10% as China expands production and exports across Pacific Rim markets. Industry leaders say China's lower costs and investment in potato research are increasing pressure on U.S. growers.

Researchers in Prince Edward Island are testing cattle grazing before potato planting to improve soil health, reduce costs and support sustainable farming. Early results show no yield loss or higher emissions as researchers study long-term benefits.

The Potato Association of America (PAA) concluded its 110th Annual Meeting in New Orleans with the installation of its 2026-2027 Board of Directors, recognition of Honorary Life Members and the announcement of the 2027 meeting in Minneapolis.

Renaissance BioScience has secured Genome BC funding to develop a yeast-based RNAi biopesticide targeting wireworms. The project aims to extend the company's RNAi platform to soil-dwelling pests, offering a potential new tool for potato growers.

The UK has approved PiperPlus, the first precision-bred disease-resistant Maris Piper potato. Developed by The Sainsbury Laboratory, it resists late blight, PVY and PLRV, reducing fungicide use and supporting more sustainable potato production.

With 100 days to go until the 13th World Potato Congress in Kenya, organizers announced new speakers, reopened late poster abstract submissions, and highlighted key program updates, field demonstrations, partnerships, and networking opportunities.