Scientists from The James Hutton Institute, in collaboration with the University of York and Université Libre de Bruxelles, have identified how the destructive pathogen Phytophthora infestans evades plant defenses. By using AA7 oxidases, the pathogen disables plants’ early warning systems. This discovery offers promising avenues for enhanced crop protection, crucial for addressing global food security challenges, particularly as climate change exacerbates vulnerabilities in agriculture.
Agristo’s establishment of a processing plant in Grand Forks is anticipated to significantly benefit North Dakota’s potato industry and local economy. Tom Nilson, a potato farmer, is optimistic about this partnership, which marks Agristo’s first U.S. facility. The plant will utilize Red River Valley potatoes for frozen products, including french fries and hashbrowns. Despite the excitement, Nilson feels the pressure of this pivotal business transition.
Scientists at The James Hutton Institute, alongside Grampian Growers and Aberdeen University, are developing the Phytoscosmo project to convert potato shaws into valuable ingredients for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors. Approximately 51,200 tonnes of these plant byproducts are produced annually, presenting significant revenue opportunities. The initiative promotes sustainable, tobacco-free sourcing of solanesol, ultimately supporting the Scottish economy and enhancing agricultural resilience.
The World Potato Congress Inc. will host a webinar, “Crop Rotation for WireWorm Control,” on December 10, 2025, featuring Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada entomologist Dr Christine Noronha. The session will highlight how crop rotations can reduce wireworm pressure, protect potato quality and fit into integrated pest management strategies. Noronha will share multi-year research findings and practical guidance for growers and advisors.
In this satirical commentary, the humble potato “responds” to FIFA’s decision to award Donald Trump a so-called ‘peace prize’. From its vantage point in the soil and the storage bin, the potato contrasts manufactured, fake medals with the unglamorous daily work of feeding people, stabilizing communities, and weathering climate and market shocks – quietly arguing that true peace is measured in full plates, not televised ceremonies and in futures worth fighting.
Inspired by an email from Mel at Holnest Farm in England, this reflective piece tells how a box of forgotten, sprouting “small potatoes” in a dark barn became a living picture of resilience and second chances. By choosing to plant them rather than compost them, Mel reconnects the symbolism of the potato with the people who quietly keep trying, even from poor soil and uncertain beginnings.
A new IndexBox report forecasts modest growth in Europe’s potato volumes but stronger gains in market value through 2035. Consumption and production remain concentrated in a handful of key countries, while harvested area continues to shrink, offset by higher yields. Intra-European trade is expanding, led by Belgium, the Netherlands and France, and rising import and export prices are expected to drive most of the market’s future value growth.
On World Soil Day 2025, this article examines the rise of “tired” or “deadpan” soils in intensive potato systems. It traces how decades of petro-fertilizer use, short rotations and heavy tillage have weakened soil structure and biology, increasing reliance on synthetic inputs. The piece highlights emerging responses – from cover crops and organic amendments to smarter fertilizer use and soil health testing – and outlines what healthier potato soils could realistically look like by 2035.
Co-hosted by Spud Smart and NAPSO, the Mid-Storage Health Check webinar on December 17 will give potato growers and storage managers practical tools to catch problems before losses build. Experts Sastry Jayanty and Amanda Gevens will explain how to interpret CO₂ and humidity readings, spot early disease and bruising, and read condensation patterns, helping participants turn mid-season store checks into targeted, confident decisions that protect quality, margins and customer trust.
World Soil Day 2025, themed “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities”, turns the spotlight on urban and peri-urban land – where future growth in potato demand and production increasingly meet. This piece links FAO’s global soil campaign to the potato sector’s realities, highlighting why resilient soils underpin yield, quality, storage performance and environmental compliance, and suggesting concrete ways growers and industry can use World Soil Day as a catalyst for action.
This article argues that potatoes are one of the world’s most efficient yet underused crops. It highlights their role across fresh, processed, ingredient and industrial markets, from baby potatoes to starch, flour, protein and bioplastics. It notes that underutilization persists even in North America and outlines what must change – breeding, infrastructure, biorefineries and storytelling – to position potatoes as a true platform crop for food, feed and sustainable industry.
Restrain announces the appointment of Mr. Gonzalo Caldiz as Managing Director for Latin America, reinforcing its commitment to regional growers and partners. With over 18 years in agribusiness, Caldiz leads all commercial and operational activities, focusing on sustainable, chemical-free solutions. His experience and leadership are expected to enhance Restrain’s presence and service quality in Latin America, supporting innovation in post-harvest management and collaboration with Agrical Cono Sur S.A.
Since its inception in 1949, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
(UNECE) Working Party on Agricultural Quality Standards has created over 120 quality standards for various agricultural products. Recently, revised standards for seed potatoes and other items were adopted, crucial for enhancing global trade. The updated seed potato standard improves certification processes, disease control, and traceability. This revision aims to boost productivity and food security.
First Choice Foods Ltd, based in Rupandehi, is set to expand its French fry exports from the US to the UK, Australia, and Japan by early 2026. Founded by Krishna Prasad Paudel, the company produces premium potato products under the Himalayan Crisp brand. To enhance production, it is collaborating with 35,000 farmers across 26 districts, providing training in potato cultivation and production techniques.