The North American Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) will co-host a Technical Storage Symposium during the Potato Association of America (PAA) Annual Meeting on July 28, 2025, in Madison, Wisconsin. The event aims to address post-harvest challenges, focusing on innovations in storage chemistry, facility engineering, and regulatory standards. It serves as a crucial platform for knowledge exchange among experts, enhancing sustainable practices in the potato industry.
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KMC and Daymer Ingredients join forces to advance potato-based food innovation in the UK
KMC amba has partnered with Daymer Ingredients Limited to enhance the UK food system with value-adding potato-based solutions. This collaboration aims for expansion and focuses initially on clean label potato starches before diversifying into specialised options. Both companies share a commitment to innovation and sustainability, positioning KMC as a leader in plant-based ingredients while supporting food manufacturers to create sustainable products.
B-Hive, HarvestEye and RootExtracts welcome new COO to drive innovation across global food chains
Doreen Spikings has been appointed as chief operating and commercial officer to boost growth for agri-tech firms B-Hive Innovations, HarvestEye, and RootExtracts. With over 20 years of fresh produce experience, she aims to enhance global food supply chains through science-based solutions, focusing on sustainability and commercial prospects. CEO Vee Gururajan emphasizes her expertise for advancing research and innovation in agriculture.
NAPSO webinar tackles final-stage potato storage challenges with expert precision
The North American Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) hosted a webinar titled “The Final Countdown: Smart Storage Strategies for Late Season Potatoes,” offering valuable insights for growers facing critical storage challenges. Presentations by Eric Evans and Dr. Sastry Jayanty emphasized key practices for quality preservation, including environmental control, sprout management, and minimizing damage. Upcoming NAPSO events promise further expert discussions on potato storage innovations and techniques.
‘The Future of Potato Storage’ – Advances in ventilation, energy efficiency, and storage automation
Potato storage is transforming from a passive to a strategic process influenced by data, analytics, and advanced technologies, writes Lukie Pieterse in this article. Key innovations include adaptive ventilation systems, energy efficiency measures, automation, and AI monitoring tools, which enhance storage quality, reduce shrinkage, and promote sustainability. While human oversight remains vital for interpreting contextual cues, technology is reshaping practices, allowing for proactive decision-making in post-harvest handling amid increasingly complex conditions.
Microbes and potatoes: How AI and DNA insights are revolutionizing potato farming
A recent study by Utrecht University and Delft University of Technology reveals that differing yields in genetically identical potato plants stem from the microbes—bacteria and fungi—on their surfaces. By utilizing AI and microbial DNA analysis, researchers have developed a tool to predict potato growth potential, enhancing yields, promoting healthier crops, and reducing chemical use, thus paving the way for sustainable agriculture amidst rising global challenges.
Celebrating the International Day of the Potato: World Potato Congress to host global webinar on the crop’s critical role in rural development
The World Potato Congress invites the global potato community to a webinar celebrating the International Day of the Potato, focusing on its impact on rural development and food security. Experts from various regions, including the Andes, China, and West Africa, will share insights on the potato’s role in enhancing smallholder livelihoods and food systems. This tri-lingual event promotes discussion on sustainable agriculture and nutritional well-being.
HZPC Americas expands Canadian team with strategic new appointment
HZPC Americas welcomes Pedro Selegato as its new Product Manager in Canada. With a strong background in agronomy, seed production research, and large-scale farming management, he aims to enhance the potato industry. By leveraging his expertise, Selegato will collaborate with North American growers and processors to optimize HZPC’s germplasm and guide breeding programs, ensuring effective variety positioning in diverse conditions.
Empowering potato growers: GB Potatoes and CUPGRA collaborate to launch exclusive PCN guide
GB Potatoes and CUPGRA have released “A Guide for Managing PCN in Great Britain,” a resource for potato growers facing the nematode threats Globodera pallida and G. rostochiensis. The guide offers science-based strategies for effective management, including cultural and biological controls. A summary factsheet will be made available to aid decision-making. Written by nematology experts, it aims to sustain potato production amidst growing challenges.
Cutting-edge collaboration: Urschel announces strategic stake in KRONEN to broaden global food processing solutions
Urschel Laboratories, Inc. is becoming a minority stakeholder in KRONEN GmbH through a capital investment, aiming to enhance food processing innovation. Both companies, with shared values, will collaborate starting sales in the U.S. and Mexico, expanding to Asia in 2026. This partnership will strengthen market positions, offering complete solutions for food processing and fostering significant growth for both URSCHEL and KRONEN.
Fighting viruses: Albert Bartlett and Fera double down on aphid surveillance to maintain high health status of Scottish seed crops
Albert Bartlett is enhancing its partnership with Fera Science Ltd to monitor aphid populations affecting Scotland’s seed potatoes. Effective monitoring has shown significant threats to crops from aphid-transmitted viruses, leading to potential yield losses. For the 2025 season, around forty-five growers will participate, enabling targeted insecticide applications based on systematic data. Early detection is critical for ensuring sustainable potato production and safeguarding future crops.
The transformation of India’s potato industry: From garden crop to production powerhouse
India’s potato sector has transformed into the world’s second-largest producer by 2023, driven by improved varietal development and infrastructure investments, according to a recent whitepaper published by DCA Market Intelligence. However, challenges like climate change, post-harvest losses, and labor shortages persist. To become a regional exporter of processed products, the industry must adopt precision agriculture and technological innovations. A coordinated effort among stakeholders is crucial for sustainable growth and competitiveness in the global market.
‘The heartbeat beneath the soil’: Why plant health matters in every potato field on the International Day of Plant Health
On the International Day of Plant Health, we acknowledge the crucial role of healthy plants, particularly potatoes, in global food security, writes Lukie Pieterse in this article. Stakeholders in the potato industry face challenges from diseases, climate change, and economic losses. A systems approach to plant health is essential, encompassing clean seeds, pest management, and education. Collaboration among all parties is vital to enhance crop resilience and ensure food sustainability for future generations.
Next-gen fertilization techniques: Advancing potato nutrition through precision, organics, and reduced synthetic inputs
In the evolving potato production landscape, traditional fertilization methods are becoming ineffective due to soaring input costs, environmental pressures, climate change, and declining soil health. Modern growers must adapt by integrating precision nutrient management strategies, employing organic alternatives, and leveraging technology.