News on Services

Plant protection, bureaucracy, and production costs – these are just some of the issues currently weighing heavily on Germany’s specialty crop sector.

Potato Expo 2026, North America’s largest potato industry event, heads to Dallas Jan. 6–8. Featuring 180 exhibitors, 30+ sessions, and major networking, it unites the global potato supply chain to drive innovation, advocacy, and collaboration.

A new potato variety, CIP-Asiryq, developed by the International Potato Center and Indigenous farmers in Peru, resists late blight, cuts fungicide use, cooks faster, and boosts farmer income, offering a climate-resilient solution worldwide.

Royal HZPC Group posts a strong 2024/25: revenue €525 M (USD 603 M), tonnage 1 M+, net profit €17.1 M (USD 19.8 M). Growers get €10.90 (USD 12.5) dividend. New varieties excel in French‑fry, chips, export and fresh markets, with acreage expected to grow further.

Lethbridge researchers study how heat waves and hail affect potato crops. Dr. Neilson finds timing is key, with storms during tuber growth reducing quality. His work aims to create tools to help farmers assess risks and boost crop resilience.

Calantha, a new RNA-based sprayable pesticide, effectively kills Colorado potato beetles while sparing beneficial insects. Most effective on small larvae, it offers a sustainable, targeted solution to combat resistant crop pests.

Excitement builds as we mark one year to the 13th World Potato Congress, set for Oct 26–30, 2026, at Sawela Lodge, Naivasha, Kenya. Keynotes and registration launch in Nov. Stay tuned for updates and sponsorship opportunities!

'Operación Papita Solidaria': productores mexicanos venden papa directamente al consumidor para evitar intermediarios y garantizar precios justos.

Scientists have decoded the sweetpotato’s complex hexaploid genome, revealing its mixed ancestry and resilience traits. This breakthrough offers powerful tools for breeders to boost yield, nutrition, and climate resistance, securing food futures.

Produce Investments (PI) acquires Biofresh Safestore, a leader in fixed crop management. Combined with Restrain’s natural sprout suppression, the move expands PI’s tech portfolio, offering flexible, innovative storage solutions across Europe and beyond.

Germany’s POMORROW project will decode the genes of 6,357 potato varieties to advance breeding of drought-tolerant, pest-resistant and nutrient-efficient potatoes, supporting sustainable, climate-smart farming and securing future global food supplies.

NDSU’s new yellow potato variety, ND1241-1Y, bred by Susie Thompson in the Red River Valley, offers uniform, round tubers with rich color and flavor. It chips well from field or storage and suits the region’s short season. Commercial release may come soon.

China grows 25% of the world’s potatoes, but 60% of its crop is in arid northwest regions where shallow roots and short growing seasons make them drought-sensitive. Researchers test drought-tolerant varieties and biochemicals to ease soil stress.

Global Potato Summit 2025, on Dec 11–13 at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, will unite global experts to boost potato innovation. With 150+ exhibitors, 7,000 visitors, and live farm demos, it’s set to shape the future of the potato industry.

Commercial Food Sanitation (CFS) opened its first stand-alone training facility, CFS Institute North America, in New Orleans. The 13,700 sq. ft. center offers hands-on training, labs, and collaboration to advance food safety, hygiene, and efficiency.

World Potato Congress Inc. (WPC) will host a webinar, 'Biology and Integrated Management of Potato Common Scab,' October 20, 2025. The speaker is Amanda Gevens, PhD, Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist, University of Wisconsin–Madison.

French fries are part of a booming USD 18 billion sector, projected to reach USD 24 billion by decade’s end. Plant & Food Research, part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute, has been recognised for creating a new potato variety tailored to this market.

Royal HZPC Group plans to acquire Ireland-based IPM Potato Group, a leading seed potato breeder and exporter, boosting HZPC’s UK and global presence.