Covering a section of potatoes with insect mesh revealed significant damage from leafhoppers, as reported by Mike Abram in Farmers Weekly. The protected variety Markies showed fewer necrotic lesions compared to the exposed crop, attributed to leafhopper feeding by agronomist Martyn Cox. Leafhoppers can transmit harmful infections, including potato stolbur caused by a phytoplasma, posing serious risks for UK growers, similar to issues faced globally.
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Potatoes in the digital age: How collaboration, AI, and data are reshaping the industry
The global potato industry is undergoing a significant digital transformation, leveraging AI, blockchain, and cloud technology to enhance collaboration, innovation, and transparency. As Lukie Pieterse writes in this article, digital tools are facilitating real-time knowledge sharing among farmers, researchers, and processors, enabling improvements in yield forecasting, disease management, and traceability. This evolution supports sustainability and resilience against climate challenges. The opportunities are vast — but so are the responsibilities.
Frozen fries to premium snacks: How processed potatoes are shaping the future of global trade
Processed potato products are driving a new era of global trade growth, writes Lukie Pieterse in this article. From frozen fries to premium snacks, demand is surging across emerging markets, while processors are developing regional hubs, innovating with health-focused and sustainable products, and tailoring offerings to local tastes. Premium, differentiated exports present strong opportunities. This in-depth feature explores how processors are shaping the future of the potato industry—building resilient, consumer-aligned, and globally competitive value chains.
Smarter, greener potato nutrition: Integrating precision tools, regenerative approaches, and sustainable input reduction
Potato growers worldwide are rethinking fertilization — blending precision tools, organic strategies, and reduced inputs to grow smarter, greener crops. This in-depth feature explores how data-driven nutrient management, regenerative practices, and soil health integration are transforming potato nutrition. The result? Stronger yields, healthier soils, and greater sustainability in an era of climate-smart agriculture. Discover why next-gen fertilization is fast becoming a cornerstone of resilience and innovation across the global potato industry.
Potato genetics reimagined: Syntato sets 2028 goal for new engineered potato variety using synthetic chromosomes
Syntato, a spinout from Imperial College London’s MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, has secured UK ARIA funding to pioneer chromosome engineering in potatoes. The goal: to create a new potato variety with a synthetic chromosome by 2028. This breakthrough could dramatically improve crop resilience, productivity, and sustainability. Collaborating with international biotech partners, Syntato aims to make chromosome design modular and reusable—offering a leap forward for next-generation potato breeding.
Taste of Maine potato chip plant under construction in Aroostook County
A 96,000-square-foot potato chip plant is being built at the former Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, expected to open by April 2026, using 1,500 acres of potatoes and creating 40 to 60 jobs. The flagship facility for Taste of Maine Potato Chip Co. will begin with four kettles, processing 2,200 pounds of chips per hour, and is constructed at a cost of $55 million, led by Buck Construction.
Triggering ‘suicide hatching’: Japanese researchers unveil how potatoes and microbes outsmart the potato cyst nematode
A Kobe University study reveals a crucial chemical relationship among potato plants, soil microbes, and potato cyst nematodes, potentially transforming pest control in agriculture. Scientists identified solanoeclepin C (SEC) as a precursor that, when converted by microbes, triggers nematode hatching. This insight could lead to effective “suicide hatching” strategies to combat these pests, minimizing reliance on harmful pesticides in farming practices.
Managing PCN in Great Britain: GB Potatoes and CUPGRA launch free factsheet for the entire sector
A new PCN Factsheet has been launched by GB Potatoes and CUPGRA to help UK potato growers and industry professionals manage potato cyst nematode (PCN) more effectively. This practical resource summarises key recommendations from the comprehensive guide “A Guide for Managing PCN in Great Britain.” The factsheet is available for free download from both organisations’ websites and will also be distributed at major industry events in 2025.
Flavorful futures: Innovation drives robust global potato chips market expansion
IMARC Group projects the global potato chips market to grow from USD 35.2 billion in 2024 to USD 44.0 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 2.5%. Key growth drivers include the demand for convenient snacks, flavor innovation, health-conscious alternatives, and expanded distribution channels. While challenges like health concerns and raw material costs persist, opportunities in product innovation and emerging markets offer a positive outlook for the industry.
Chloropicrin fumigation and biostimulants: A promising duo against Rhizoctonia canker in potatoes, according to recent research
A new study published in Frontiers in Soil Science by researchers from Québec’s IRDA and Université Laval reveals that chloropicrin fumigation, combined with Bacillus-based biostimulants, can significantly enhance potato yields while reducing losses caused by Rhizoctonia canker. The treatments improved yields by up to 8.41% and reduced disease impacts by 30%. The study also underscores the role of biostimulants in supporting soil fungal diversity, promoting a more resilient and sustainable potato cropping system.
Fresh from the fields: New season Comber potatoes to arrive in Northern Ireland’s shops soon
Northern Ireland’s much-loved Comber potatoes will arrive in Irish shops on June 11, following an early harvest by local growers who overcame one of the driest springs on record. Farmers like William Gilmore credit excellent planting conditions and expert crop management for the season’s success. Consumer demand for potatoes is rising, particularly among younger generations, driven by their health benefits and versatility.
‘Hands in the soil, heart in the work’: The human side of potato farming
In this heartfelt reflection, Lukie Pieterse explores the human side of potato farming — the life lessons, legacy, and quiet wisdom cultivated in the rows of the field. Blending personal stories, farmer voices, and timeless truths, this article invites farmer readers to consider the deeper meaning of their work and connection to the land. A soulful contribution to the ‘Potato Soup for the Farmer’s Soul’ series on Potato News Today.
The Future of the Potato: Resilient Solutions for a Changing World
The potato, a crucial global food source, plays a vital role in addressing food security, nutrition, and climate resilience, writes Lukie Pieterse in this article. It adapts to various agroecological zones, offers high caloric yield, and is nutritious. Women’s involvement in potato farming is essential, yet they face challenges. To unlock the potato’s full potential, investment in research, improved seed access, and equitable policies are necessary for sustainable development and effective value chains.
A global staple celebrated: International Day of the Potato highlights the crop’s role in feeding the world
On May 30, the International Day of the Potato was celebrated, emphasizing the potato’s significant role in global food security, feeding over two billion people. As a resilient and nutritious crop, it addresses hunger, supports sustainable agriculture, and helps combat malnutrition, as Lukie Pieterse writes in this article. The potato holds potential for economic opportunity and empowerment, particularly for women farmers worldwide. Potato News Today will explore these themes further in an upcoming feature soon.