Potato News from Northern America

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.

Intralox LugDrive Series 8240 is a hygienic, solid thermoplastic belt built for small transfers. Able to wrap around transfer rollers as small as 1 in (25 mm) in diameter

If you think making potato snacks is simply a case of slicing spuds and tossing them into hot oil, think again! Behind every perfectly crisp packet of crisps or golden chip lies a world of challenges, clever fixes, and constant innovation.

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: LW) ('Lamb Weston') has announced that it has entered into a cooperation agreement (the 'Agreement') with JANA Partners Management, L.P. ('JANA') and Continental Grain Company ('Continental Grain').

In the second half of 2024 alone, multiple high-profile contaminant outbreaks shook the food industry—and challenged consumers’ trust in it.

The WPC congratulates Julio Kalazich, as he makes the transition from WPC International Advisor to WPC Director. New International Advisors are welcomed to the World Potato Congress Inc.

Robots in potato farming help ease labor shortages, cut costs, and boost yields by automating tasks like planting and harvesting. Paired with smart tools like crop monitoring, they improve efficiency, reduce waste, and support sustainable farming.

Cavendish Farms is launching a sustainability project on Prince Edward Island to help potato growers adopt eco-friendly practices, focusing on water use, pest control, and soil health. A farm advisory group will guide research and share results with local farmers.

Chad Hutchinson of TriCal Group joins the World Potato Congress Inc. Board as a Director. A global expert in potato research and soil health, he brings decades of experience supporting growers and advancing crop production worldwide.

PPM Technologies, a member of Duravant’s Food Sorting and Handling group, introduces their new BatchWright™ frying system for kettle-style potato chips and other root vegetable snacks. 

Si bien las exportaciones de semilla aumentaron mucho entre 2024 y 2025, el resultado de los negocios no fue bueno en todos los destinos. En el caso de Uruguay, la presencia del virus PVY fue altísima.

United States potato exports fell 4% in volume and 1% in value (July 2024–March 2025), mainly due to lower dehydrated and chip exports. Frozen, fresh, and seed exports rose, with strong gains in Japan, Taiwan, and Guatemala despite China-India competition.

WPC Inc. announces leadership changes: Nora Olsen, Jang Sangha, and Martin Acosta retire, with Greg Donald named Vice President and Brian Douglas appointed Treasurer as preparations begin for the 2026 Congress in Kenya.

Frito-Lay has ended manufacturing at its Rancho Cucamonga snack plant after 50+ years, affecting potentially hundreds of jobs. While some operations remain, many workers were laid off, with limited transfer options and undisclosed severance details.

United States seed potato exports grew strongly in the Americas, with new markets in Panama, Nicaragua, and Uruguay. Potatoes USA trials expand reach in Cuba, Honduras, and the Caribbean, while new export opportunities emerge in West Africa.

P.E.I. launches a buy-back program for potato wart index fields to combat the fungal disease. It aids farmers, protects land, and boosts trade, with over USD 40M spent since 2021 on wart control efforts.

With a focus on Making Fries and Making Strides, Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. issued its annual Global Sustainability Report, providing updates on the company’s performance against key sustainability and people initiatives during its fiscal year 2024.

Tristan Scoble has been promoted to Urschel Laboratories Director of Sales, effective July 1. With a strong track record since 2015, he will lead strategic sales efforts for the global leader in food cutting machinery.