Latest Global Potato News

From research plot to real farm: Closing the adoption gap in Quebec potatoes

Quebec potato growers approach new technologies based on economic and structural factors rather than philosophy. Key influences include clear ROI, alignment with operational constraints, and local proof. Common barriers to adoption arise from complexity, upfront costs, and potential unintended consequences. Successful technologies emphasize simplicity, support, and measurable results. While sustainability engagement is rising, skepticism persists when policies are misaligned with agronomic realities. Collaborative research partnerships foster better adoption by respecting farmers’ operational constraints.

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‘Pesticide pioneers’: University of Idaho research team taking novel approach to develop new fungicides for potato farmers

A University of Idaho team is innovating agricultural fungicide development through computer molecular modeling. With a focus on potato diseases, they have screened under 60 compounds and identified 15 effective candidates, aiming to introduce novel fungicide classes targeting specific fungal proteins. The project, supported by state and federal grants, could offer growers new crop protection solutions and generate substantial royalties for the university.

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Airflow reality checks in potato storages: Finding dead zones before rot finds them

Uneven airflow creates microclimates that drive late-season storage problems – persistent warm spots, localized condensation, CO₂ pockets, and eventual breakdown. This fourth Storage Season Essentials article explains what dead zones look like, why they become rot zones, and how short-circuiting, leaks, and changing resistance weaken distribution mid-season. It provides a practical weekly airflow audit, a print-friendly checklist table, and common myths that lead to costly over-ventilation and missed warning signs.

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Late-winter warm spells in potato storage: A dew point decision-making playbook for ventilation and condensation prevention

Late-winter warm spells can turn routine ventilation into a condensation trigger when moist air meets a cold pile and cold building surfaces. This Storage Season Essentials article explains dew point in practical terms and provides a step-by-step decision workflow for managing warm-spell risk. It highlights what condensation really looks like, where it forms first, what to do – and what to avoid. A print-friendly checklist table supports consistent, calm ventilation decisions.

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Canada: New potato varieties show signs of better nitrogen efficiency in Cluster 4 trials

The Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC) is spotlighting a potential shift in how potato varieties could be selected in the years ahead: not only for yield, quality, storability, and disease profile, but also for how efficiently they use nitrogen. Early multi-province research suggests that nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) may become a key selection trait for potato varieties. Recent findings indicate newer cultivars could outperform older ones in yield while requiring less nitrogen.

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Explore Urschel cutting edge produce technology on display at Fruit Logistica

Urschel will showcase six advanced food processing machines at Fruit Logistica from February 4-6, 2026, in Berlin, Germany. Featured equipment includes the TranSlicer 2520 and E TranSlicer Cutters, DiversaCut 2110A and Sprint 2 Dicers, the CCLL high-capacity lattice slicer, and the Comitrol Disc Mill 380. These cutting solutions enhance production efficiency for commercial food processors. Visit booth C-30 in Hall 1.1 to explore these innovations further.

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ProPak Philippines 2026 to highlight Urschel and KRONEN food processing solutions

Urschel will showcase its latest food processing machinery at ProPak Philippines from February 4-6, 2026. Featured products include the DiversaCut 2110® A Dicer for high-capacity cutting, the versatile Comitrol® Processor Model 1700, the KRONEN PL 40K Potato Peeler for root vegetables, the KRONEN GS 10-2 Slicer for various cuts, and the KRONEN KS-100 PLUS Centrifuge/Dryer. Visit Stand E21 to explore these solutions and enhance food processing efficiency.

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Mid-season storage health check: The 60-minute weekly audit that prevents late-season surprises

This Storage Season Essentials article is a follow-up to PNT’s January 21, 2026 feature, “The storage baseline that saves crops: 10 measurements every potato facility should track mid-season.” It translates those measurements into a practical 60-minute weekly audit that helps storage managers spot drift early – widening temperature gradients, condensation risk during warm spells, dead zones, CO₂ creep, developing hotspots, and unnecessary drying. A downloadable-style checklist table supports consistent, calm decision-making.

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TOMRA Food launches high-throughput dry peel separator for potato and vegetable processors

TOMRA Food has introduced the Dry Peel Separator-16 (DPS-16), a high-capacity peeling machine that processes up to 70 tons of potatoes per hour. Designed for efficiency, it utilizes a unique no-water peeling method, enhancing operational flexibility across various vegetable sizes. The brushless design minimizes maintenance, while easy access simplifies cleaning. With over 45 years of steam peeling experience, TOMRA continues to deliver reliable, scalable solutions for food processors.

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EU deep frozen French fries hit lowest price in three years

The average price of deep frozen French fries in the EU dropped to €1,206 per tonne in October 2025, the lowest in three years, boosting demand in most EU-4 countries. Belgium became the cheapest producer, while Germany had the highest price. Overall, export volumes increased except in France. However, November figures showed a 6.5% decline. Non-EU competition remains challenging, but some markets, like Africa and South America, increased orders.

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The storage baseline that saves crops: 10 measurements every potato facility should track mid-season

Mid-season potato storage success is rarely luck – it’s disciplined monitoring. This Storage Season Essentials article outlines ten practical measurements that act as an early-warning system for shrink, rot, bruising, and spring quality issues. It explains why temperature profiles, supply air and plenum conditions, RH and dew point, CO₂ trends, fan run logic, static pressure, outside air context, walk-through checks, and consistent logging matter. A “common scenarios” guide shows how to respond sensibly.

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FPS Food Process Solutions brings in Symotab to expand compact, high performing coating solutions for food processors

FPS Food Process Solutions has acquired Symotab Kft, a Hungarian company specializing in advanced coating technology for protein and snack applications. Symotab’s 3-in-1 CombiCoater combines several coating functions into one compact system, addressing space and efficiency challenges for modern food processors. This partnership enhances FPS’s offerings and aims to develop innovative solutions for the industry. Both companies will showcase the CombiCoater at the IPPE 2026 in Atlanta.

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Potato farmers celebrate centuries of growth in nation’s ‘snack food capital’ at Pennsylvania Farm Show

Potatoes, essential to American cuisine, have a deep-rooted history in Pennsylvania and over 30 other states, playing a vital role in agriculture and nutrition, as highlighted at the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show. Nathan Tallman, CEO of the Pennsylvania Co-operative Potato Growers, emphasized the crop’s evolution through technology and consumer preferences, showcasing hundreds of potato varieties and numerous recipes that celebrate potatoes’ importance.

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EUPPA releases 2025 ‘Facts and Figures’ fact sheet, quantifying Europe’s processed potato footprint

EUPPA has released its 2025 Facts and Figures fact sheet, quantifying the scale and reach of Europe’s potato-processing sector. The association says its members represent more than 90% of Europe’s processed potato production. The snapshot reports €9.8 billion in annual turnover, 7.5 million tonnes of fries and potato-derived products produced, and 25,000 jobs linked to 51 facilities. It also highlights major export volumes and strong concentration among top exporting countries.

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