News By Region

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.

‘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.

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.

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.

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.

Competition changes the rules in the fries market

The global French fries market has shifted dramatically, with Asia increasingly dominating due to falling prices and rapidly growing production in countries like China and India. Traditional producers in the US and Northwest Europe face challenges as low-cost exporters capture market share and average import prices in Asia decline. Despite overall robust demand for frozen potato products, structural overproduction in Europe and competitive pricing pressures complicate the landscape, prompting adaptations from established manufacturers.

FPS Food Process Solutions and GEM Equipment of Oregon launches VersaFry to target growing snack and appetizer market

FPS Food Process Solutions, in collaboration with GEM Equipment of Oregon, has introduced the GEM VersaFry, an innovative fryer designed for the snack and appetizer market. The VersaFry emphasizes safety, durability, and precision frying capabilities, accommodating various food products. Key features include an adjustable conveyor, easy sanitation access, and oil temperature management. This fryer aims to deliver low ownership costs and exceptional support within major food processing plants.

Urschel to feature DiversaCut 2110A dicer and KRONEN GS 10-2 slicer at Food Processing Expo 2026

Urschel will attend the California League of Food Producers Food Processing Expo in Sacramento, California, February 4 – 5, 2026, showcasing two cutting systems for food processors: the DiversaCut 2110A Dicer with built-in discharge conveyor and the KRONEN GS 10-2 Slicer. Urschel says the DiversaCut supports continuous, high-capacity slicing, dicing, stripping and shredding, while the KRONEN unit offers gentle, adjustable cutting and washdown-friendly stainless design.

Thirty years in potato cyberspace: How the internet changed our industry – and how people made it matter

Thirty years after launching an early potato-industry website in 1996, Lukie Pieterse reflects on how the World Wide Web evolved into today’s always-on digital world – and how the potato community grew with it. The piece traces the shift from scarcity to information overload, arguing that trust, accuracy, and usefulness matter more than ever. At its core is a human story: friendships, mentorships, hard seasons, and a new generation inheriting both powerful tools and bigger responsibilities.

FAOSTAT’s latest update: Potato totals show a bigger global crop – and a shifting regional yield story

FAO’s FAOSTAT year-end update (dated December 31, 2025) adds fresh 2024 potato totals that show steady global growth. World production rose to 390.4 million tonnes (+0.95%) as harvested area edged up to 17.08 million hectares (+0.49%), lifting average yield slightly. Asia remained dominant with 52.6% of output. Europe increased production despite a small area decline, while Africa’s output dipped marginally as area expanded.

2025: The good news year the potato industry needed – a global round-up of processing expansion, smarter breeding, and value-chain resilience

In 2026, the potato sector’s 2025 momentum will be tested by real-world execution. Key watchpoints include whether new processing capacity builds durable grower confidence through fair contracts and technical support; whether storage modernization improves quality, energy efficiency, and safety; and whether sustainability measurement becomes practical and beneficial for farmers.

Natural disasters in 2025: How weather shocks hit the potato industry – and why the ripple effects ran far beyond the field

In 2025, natural disasters and extreme weather reshaped the potato industry across multiple countries – with drought, floods, storms, hail, and water restrictions hitting yields, quality, and timing. The impact was not only fewer tonnes, but greater grade volatility, delayed planting and harvest windows, and higher storage risk from stressed tubers. From Maine’s drought disaster designation to Australia’s supermarket shortages, 2025 reinforced that resilience – water security, adaptable contracts, and stress-tolerant systems – is now a core business requirement.

The morning after: When the Christmas lights are still up, but the world feels quieter

The day after Christmas arrives quietly, and for many people it’s when loneliness and worry return. In one small town, a woman looks at leftover potatoes and decides to make a big pot of potato soup, then shares it – first with her basement neighbour, then with an elderly man living alone, and finally with others who need a warm meal. No fanfare, no photos – just practical compassion, preserved dignity, and kindness carried door to door.

Potatoes in the snow: A Christmas delivery that restored dignity

On Christmas Day in a rural town, a van loaded with “extra” potatoes – perfectly edible but off-spec for retail – arrives at a food bank to find the gate locked. Instead of turning back, the driver makes a call that brings volunteers out into the snow to unlock the warehouse and unload the pallets. The delivery sparks immediate action, with potatoes bundled into simple meal kits and taken the same day to seniors and motel families. in need