News on The Potato Supply Chain from the United States

The National Potato Council voted to urge USTR to launch a Section 332 investigation into Canadian potato trade practices, citing decades-old restrictions in British Columbia and concerns over subsidies harming U.S. growers.

Folkland Foods is expanding operations with a new drive-in freezer on track for completion by January 2026, adding on-site frozen storage and supporting future growth. Supply partner Troyer Growers is adding potato storage to strengthen supply.

The Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) has opened applications for its 2026 Leadership in the Field: From Battlefield to Potato Field program, scheduled for July 13–16, 2026, at Gettysburg National Military Park.

NAPSO and Spud Smart will host a webinar, 'Mid-Storage Health Check,' on Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. PST. Experts Dr. Sastry Jayanty and Dr. Amanda Gevens will cover CO₂, humidity, airflow, and early detection of storage diseases. Register now.

According to MarketsandMarkets™, the modified starch market is estimated at USD 14.92 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 17.30 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.0 percent.

The 58th Idaho Potato Conference will be held Jan. 21–22 in Pocatello, featuring panels, research updates, a trade show and sessions on soil-borne diseases, agronomy, storage and water issues. Registration is USD 40 before Jan. 14.

Alongside a roasted turkey and stuffing, a traditional Thanksgiving meal in the United States usually includes sweet potatoes glazed with butter and brown sugar and topped with toasted mini marshmallows.

November is Sweet Potato Awareness Month. It coincides with the heart of harvest season and Thanksgiving, a food-centered holiday, Dr. W. Jinnings Burruss Jr., assistant professor of food service at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB)

Row 7 Seed Company launches its vibrant purple Starling sweet potato at East Coast Whole Foods. Developed by NC State, Starling blends creamy sweetness with rich flavor and antioxidant-packed color. It joins Row 7’s fall lineup of flavor-driven organic produce.

People rarely think of Washington when talking about potatoes. Yet much of what happens in the fields— from fertilizer prices to seed genetics— is shaped, directly or indirectly, by decisions made in the U.S. capital.

Sweet potatoes have a long and meaningful history in the United States. Originating in Central and South America, the crop reached North America centuries ago and quickly became valued for its resilience, nutritional density, and natural sweetness.

McCain Foods has agreed to acquire Penobscot McCrum LLC, expanding its North American operations. The deal adds McCrum’s modern Washburn, Maine, facility to McCain’s network, strengthening supply, innovation, and support for local farmers.

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.

Plant Grow Harvest has announced the expansion of its potato portfolio and year-round fresh supply through the launch of two dynamic consumer brands and advancements in its proprietary seed breeding program.

Aroostook County has long been referred to as Maine’s Potato Empire. Because of the relatively short season in the County and its rich, fertile soil, potatoes became the dominant crop as non-indigenous settlement increased in the 19th century.

As harvest begins across the country, it’s go time for growers, agronomists, and farm managers—an ideal moment to showcase the versatility of the Soiltech Beacon, often called the Swiss Army Knife of ag sensors, shining brightest during harvest.

APH Group, a global dealer organization for agricultural machinery and installations, has opened a sales and service office in Grafton, North Dakota, expanding its presence into the Red River Valley region.

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.