News on Food Security

FAO announced International Day of Potato 2026 theme 'Where potatoes grow, livelihoods flourish', highlighting role of potatoes in food security and farmer livelihoods. Focus on smallholders, resilient value chains, climate and pest challenges.

Royal HZPC Group CEO Hans Huistra joined Narendra Modi and top Dutch CEOs in The Hague to strengthen India–Netherlands cooperation, reinforcing HZPC’s growing strategic presence in India.

Royal HZPC Group continues growing its global seed potato volume above 1.1 million tonnes during the 2025/2026 financial year, despite global potato market pressure, lower prices, weaker demand and declining margins.

World Potato Congress Inc. will host a webinar on May 15, 2026, on planning for the International Day of the Potato, featuring FAO’s Makiko Taguchi and potato expert Dr André Devaux.

Modified Atmosphere Packaging helps U.S food manufacturers extend shelf life, preserve freshness, and ensure quality. However, filling packages with the right gas mix is only part of the process-testing the gas inside is essential to maintain safety.

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.

Iran war disruption in the Strait of Hormuz threatens global food security as Gulf fertiliser exports are hit. Rising urea prices and supply shortages could cut crop yields in India, Brazil and China, pushing food costs higher worldwide.

Vitsab International AB introduces Freshtag®, a color-changing time-temperature label using 'Stoplight Technology' to monitor perishable foods in transit. The easy-to-use, compliant solution helps prevent spoilage, ensure safety, and protect profits.

IFA President Francie Gorman told the 71st IFA AGM that opposition to the Mercosur trade deal, securing a strong CAP budget and tackling rising costs will dominate IFA’s 2026 agenda, warning of food safety risks and pressure on farm incomes EU.

Potatoes SA and the Department of Basic Education partner to enhance school nutrition through the National School Nutrition Programme, showing that adding potatoes boosts learners’ energy, focus, and satiety while helping fight childhood malnutrition sustainably.

Kenya nears release of '3R' Late Blight-resistant potatoes after 20+ years of research by CIP & KALRO. Supported by 2Blades, Feed the Future & Simplot, the varieties promise higher yields, disease protection, and improved food security by 2026.

Un análisis genómico realizado por un equipo internacional identificó este evento de hibridación natural entre especies andinas. La papa tendría su origen en el tomate.

Un equipo argentino desarrolló la Papatrónica, un dispositivo en forma de tubérculo que mide impactos en tiempo real, ayudando a evitar pérdidas millonarias y a mejorar la sustentabilidad alimentaria.

Frente a las masivas importaciones de papa, la cámara nacional de agricultura se pronunció en favor de los productores nacionales denunciando la situación que enfrentan.

A research team, including Michigan State University Assistant Professor Olivia Smith, gained international recognition in 2024 for a study showing that agricultural diversification benefits both growers and the environment worldwide.

De la mano de instituciones gubernamentales el país logra importantes avances en la certificación de su proceso de producción de semilla. Se espera que miles de familias puedan abastecerse pronto del nuevo material genético.

Iceland, known for its resilient farming systems and limited but high-quality agricultural output, faced a historic setback in 2024. According to Statistics Iceland, the nation harvested just 5,514 tons of potatoes, down 24.5% from 7,298 tons in 2023.

xFarm Technologies has partnered with Brazil's Checkplant to enhance agricultural digitalization across 8.3 million hectares, boosting precision farming and sustainability in Latin America.