In a rapidly changing world, potato farming serves as a grounding force, reconnecting people to the earth and each other. It emphasizes presence, patience, and community while resisting modern life’s disconnection. The potato’s historical significance as a resilient food source nurtures cultural identity and fosters social bonds. Engaging with soil also offers psychological benefits, reinforcing farmer identity and ecological sustainability, making potato growing essential for belonging and hope in a disjointed society.
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The timeless appeal of potatoes – and why innovation matters more than ever
The potato remains a vital food source, with global consumption projected to rise from 380 million tonnes in 2024 to 398 million by 2035. Innovations like hydro-cutting systems enhance production efficiency and meet health trends by reducing oil absorption. As consumer preferences evolve, flexible processing lines are crucial for adaptability. TNA Solutions is dedicated to improving food processing methods while championing social responsibility and sustainability. Investing in technologies ensures the potato’s enduring legacy.
British potato growers invited to join research effort on root-knot nematodes
A researcher from Harper Adams University and Fera Science Ltd are conducting a study on root-knot nematodes (RKN) affecting potato crops in England, seeking soil samples from 14 English counties. Led by Celestine Oduor, the research aims to fill knowledge gaps regarding RKN prevalence and to develop management strategies. Growers are invited to collect samples, which will be analyzed to enhance risk assessments. Results will be shared with contributors while maintaining confidentiality.
Canada: Prince Edward Island launches ‘Land Buy‑Back Program’ for potato producers
The Government of Prince Edward Island has launched the PEI Index Field Buy-Back Program to purchase “potato wart index fields,” fulfilling a commitment from the 2025 Speech from the Throne. This initiative aims to enhance biosecurity, protect farmland, and support the potato sector, vital to the province’s economy. With over $40 million invested since 2021, the program addresses disease threats while promoting trade resilience and conservation efforts in agriculture.
The rise of the ‘super spud’: How coloured potatoes are rebranding the superfood landscape of the future
Anthocyanin-rich varieties of Solanum tuberosum are gaining recognition for their health benefits, including cardiovascular protection, metabolic regulation, and potential cancer prevention, writes Lukie Pieterse in this article. These colorful potatoes are becoming popular in health-conscious consumer markets, driven by their aesthetic appeal and nutrient density. Breeders are enhancing their anthocyanin content and disease resistance through advanced genetic techniques. The shift toward these “super spuds” signifies a transformation in the potato industry.
Annual Fight Against Blight campaign in the UK warns of new threats to disease management
The 2025 Fight Against Blight (FAB) campaign has launched with an updated website and data system to facilitate late blight reporting by growers and agronomists. Sponsored by 19 key potato industry companies, FAB enables rapid identification of the pathogen from field samples, allowing timely management adjustments. Over 130 volunteers have joined as Blight Scouts, with ongoing challenges highlighted from genotyping efforts by Hutton scientists in the EuroBlight consortium.
Potatoes added to ‘Dirty Dozen’ list of most pesticide-contaminated produce
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has added blackberries and potatoes to its updated “Dirty Dozen” list for having high pesticide residues. Blackberries ranked No. 10 and potatoes No. 12, with the latter showing 90% of samples containing chlorpropham, banned in the EU since 2019 due to health risks. EWG advises shoppers to choose organic options for these and recommend alternatives listed in the “Clean Fifteen.”
U.S. seed potato exports see strong growth in Americas, new opportunities in Africa
U.S. seed potato exports increased significantly from July 2024 to March 2025, particularly in Central America where they rose by 61%. First-time imports from Panama and Nicaragua were linked to successful variety trials by Potatoes USA, while Cuba is emerging as a potential major market. Uruguay also shifted to U.S. imports due to production issues. Furthermore, Potatoes USA is exploring opportunities in West Africa for future exports.
At the heart of the produce aisle: How potatoes are winning at retail in 2025
The U.S. potato market showcases resilience, driven by strong consumer demand, versatile formats, and effective merchandising. Insights from Nick Bartelme of Potatoes USA reveal that over 85% of households buy potatoes, emphasizing their affordability and nutritional value. Retailers are encouraged to increase shelf space and adapt to evolving shopper behaviors. Innovations in convenience packaging, omnichannel marketing, and sustainability messaging are vital for maintaining growth and increasing the potatoes’ relevance in today’s market.
Sustainable potato storage innovation: DormFresh unveils state-of-the-art Trial and Research center in Rosche, Germany
DormFresh Ltd., in collaboration with TASC International GmbH, has launched a new Trial and Research Center in Rosche, Germany, focusing on sustainable potato storage following the EU’s CIPC ban. This EUR 600,000 facility features advanced storage technology and aims to enhance trials for new sprout inhibitors while improving quality assurance standards in the industry. Initial trials are in progress for EU product approval.
Oxford researchers pioneer £6.7m chloroplast engineering project to create next-generation potato varieties
A University of Oxford research team has secured a £6.7 million grant to investigate chloroplast engineering, aimed at improving potato and wheat production. Collaborating with Wild Bioscience Ltd, the project seeks to enhance photosynthesis efficiency and resilience against climate stressors by reprogramming chloroplasts. This could lead to higher crop yields and reduced agricultural inputs, addressing food security challenges and fostering sustainable farming amidst climate change.
The rise of regenerative potato farming: Restoring soils, ecosystems, and farmer prosperity
Regenerative potato farming is emerging as a transformative solution to modern agricultural challenges like soil degradation and climate issues. This movement emphasizes restoring soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and improving farm resilience through practices such as reduced tillage and cover cropping. Pioneering farmers worldwide are demonstrating its economic viability. Despite some challenges, the regenerative approach cultivates long-term sustainability, aligning with growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly food systems while improving profitability in the potato industry.
Organic or intensive agriculture? Brazil reframes the debate over the most promising future for farming
By 2050, the world population has surged past 9 billion, dramatically increasing the demand for nutritious food. However, climate instability and limited arable land threaten food production, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. While the U.S. excels in agricultural efficiency, replicating its methods is challenging elsewhere. South America’s agricultural transformation offers a potential model for developing regions facing similar crises.
Are we winning or losing the fight? How fungicide and insecticide resistance is shaping the future of potato crop protection
The potato industry faces a growing threat from fungicide and insecticide resistance, jeopardizing crop yields and quality, writes Lukie Pieterse in this article. Resistance has been documented in late blight, early blight, and pests like the Colorado potato beetle and aphids, leading to increased production costs and environmental concerns. To combat this, integrated pest management and crop protection strategies must evolve.