News on Potato Varieties and Seed

Behind every French fry lies a world of innovation. From the first cross in the greenhouse to the perfectly fried product on a dinner plate – it’s a journey that depends on knowledge, technology, and collaboration.

Northwest Europe faces a potato oversupply after acreage expanded to over 600,000 ha, adding about 5 million tons since 2022. Jan van Hoogen says growers should reduce acreage and be patient for two years while the market finds balance.

El Gobierno Vasco presentó el Plan de la Patata y su Plan de I+D+i durante el V Foro AKIS en Arkaute, con amplio respaldo del sector, con el objetivo de reforzar la rentabilidad, impulsar la innovación y asegurar el futuro de la patata de siembra en Álava.

Across the Andean highlands and southern Chile, rural women safeguard the diversity of native potatoes. Their work sustains biodiversity that feeds communities and preserves cultural heritage across generations.

El 5 de marzo, el Foro AKIS reunirá en el Campus de Arkaute a productores, empresas e instituciones para presentar y debatir el Plan Sectorial de la Patata, con foco en el Plan de I+D+i de la patata de siembra, promoviendo la colaboración y la transferencia de conocimiento para fortalecer la competitividad del sector en Euskadi.

A first-of-its-kind low carbon concept farm in Lincolnshire has successfully grown its first crop of highly sustainable potatoes that will land in UK stores this week, thanks to a partnership between retailer Tesco and industry leader Branston.

ICAR–Central Potato Research Institute, Regional Station, Modipuram, Meerut, organized a one-day National Potato Fair–2026 on the occasion of National Potato Day, bringing together farmers, scientists, industry representatives and other stakeholders.

The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board conducted a February 3-6, 2026 harvest trial to assess improved potato varieties Ndamira and Victoria for higher yields and stronger resistance to late blight across multiple site.

Grimmway Produce Group’s Cal-Organic Farms launched a year-round organic bite-size potato line with gold, red, medley, fingerling, and novelty nibbles in mesh packs, expanding convenience. Orders start March 9 after debut at SEPC Southern Exposure.

Branston South West GM Jonathan Taylor will retire in March 2026 after nearly a decade leading major growth and £9m upgrades at Ilminster. Simon Jones, a long-serving operations leader, takes over to drive capacity, sustainability and innovation.

Mukayras District launched the distribution of 20 tons of improved potato seeds to 120 farmers via the local cooperative, aiming to boost production, expand fertile lands, and support self-sufficiency in key crops.

International Potato Center and National Institute of Agricultural Innovation delivered 50,000 iron-rich potato plantlets to produce 1,500 tons of seed for 1,000 ha in Peru, aiming to reduce anemia and improve nutrition nationwide.

Albert Bartlett partners with Kate Hardcastle MBE to revive Britain’s love of potatoes. Their ‘Make Mealtimes Matter’ campaign promotes spuds as affordable, nutritious staples amid rising living costs.

For more than 60 years, R.D. Offutt Farms has paired science with stewardship to grow potatoes the right way. This January, the company doubled down on that commitment, selecting Wadena County as the home of a new 90-acre potato research farm.

Harinder Farms, in Punjab, India successfully organized the 3rd Innovative Seed Show, bringing together potato growers, farmers, and agricultural stakeholders to exchange knowledge and discuss the future of crop production and seed potato systems.

Dallas hosted the event amid political uncertainty, tariffs, strained trade ties and migrant labour crackdowns, while the Trump administration provided nearly USD 40 billion in farm aid, though none was specifically directed at potato production sector.

Royal HZPC Group has finalized the acquisition of IPM Potato Group, following the initial announcement made in October 2025. With all required conditions now fulfilled, IPM officially becomes part of Royal HZPC Group.

'Maris Piper has had its day; or has it?' That was the provocative title of a GB Potatoes debate at the British Potato Industry Event, where industry leaders discussed whether the long-standing variety still has a place in modern potato production.