Climate change poses significant threats to potato farming worldwide, evident through unseasonal weather patterns and increased pests, as Lukie Pieterse writes in this article. Adaptation strategies include breeding climate-resilient varieties, enhanced water management, and improved soil health. Innovative practices and technologies aid farmers in decision-making. Collaboration among growers, researchers, and policymakers is crucial for developing resilient systems to ensure the potato’s future as a global staple amid ongoing climate challenges.
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Weedkiller wars: What happens if Bayer abandons the herbicide glyphosate?
Glyphosate, the leading herbicide since the 1970s, faces potential discontinuation as Bayer, which controls 40% of the market, confronts ongoing legal challenges and claims. With over 67,000 suits resulting in significant payouts, Bayer may cease selling Roundup if not granted legal protections. Farmers could face reliance on imported glyphosate if production stops. Bayer’s chief executive emphasizes imminent decisions, suggesting a critical juncture for glyphosate’s future.
Beyond the War Fields: When Humanity Demands a Voice
The article “Beyond the Fields” by Lukie Pieterse addresses the horrific impact of ongoing violence against Palestinian children, highlighting that over 14,000 of them have died since October 2023. It details the devastation faced by children—from starvation and psychological trauma to loss of education and health care. The author calls for accountability and action, emphasizing that silence in the face of these atrocities compromises our humanity and collective responsibility. This is a human issue demanding urgent attention.
Yield optimization: Lessons from high-performance potato growers
This article by Lukie Pieterse discusses the evolving concept of high-yield potato farming in the context of sustainability and intelligent practices. Successful growers prioritize soil health, seed quality, precision planting, nutritional strategies, efficient irrigation, and disease management. They employ data-driven decisions and emphasize labor training while recognizing that true yield extends beyond mere output, stressing ethical commitments towards environmental stewardship and community well-being.
NAPSO celebrates one year of advancing potato storage: A year of webinars, panels, and industry impact
The North America Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) celebrated its first anniversary, marking significant contributions to the potato storage sector. Founded in April 2024, NAPSO supports farmers and professionals through education and resources. Achievements include successful webinars, expert panels at trade shows, and safety resources. Looking ahead, NAPSO plans more webinars and aims to enhance storage practices, promoting sustainability in the industry.
Robot uses lasers to make chemical-free farming a reality: How this new farming tech is redefining weed control and sustainability
Carbon Robotics introduces the LaserWeeder G2, a breakthrough in environmentally-friendly farming. This innovative technology eliminates the need for chemicals by using 240-watt lasers for precise weed control. With advanced AI and high-resolution cameras for accurate detection, the G2 operates in various conditions and adapts to different farm sizes. Its design enhances weeding efficiency while minimizing the environmental footprint for farmers.
‘The Soul Beneath the Soil’: The potato as a parable for our time
The potato symbolizes hidden strength and resilience, embodying values of reliability and purpose, writes Lukie Pieterse in this article. It nourishes communities worldwide, representing more than food; it mirrors the hardworking individuals growing it. These farmers remain unrecognized, yet their labor is vital. In a fast-paced world, the potato teaches us to appreciate what endures beneath the surface, emphasizing that true value lies in quiet contribution rather than public acclaim.
Where does your food come from? Reconnecting with the farmers who feed the modern world
Farmers are essential to food systems, facing challenges like climate instability, inflation, labor shortages, and market volatility, writes Lukie Pieterse in this article. Despite obstacles, they continue to work diligently, balancing innovation, environmental stewardship, and community education. The potato serves as a metaphor for resilience in agriculture, reflecting both the farmers’ hidden labor and their adaptability. Recognizing and valuing farmers is crucial for food security and societal appreciation of agriculture.
Driving global growth: A message from 2025 Potatoes USA Chairman Steve Elfering
Steve Elfering, newly elected Chairman of Potatoes USA for 2025, emphasizes his commitment to enhancing demand for U.S. potatoes. He stresses the importance of international collaboration, proactive marketing strategies, and grower involvement to adapt to evolving trade dynamics. Elfering highlights successful marketing initiatives, such as the creation of “Baseball fries” in Japan. He emphasizes ongoing communication and the significance of grower participation in strategic planning for future success.
GB Potatoes secures future of ‘Fight against Blight’ project with new funding commitment
GB Potatoes is committing three years of funding to support the Fight Against Blight (FAB) project, led by the James Hutton Institute, addressing the threat of potato late blight. This collaborative initiative involves various stakeholders and enhances the monitoring scheme’s effectiveness since its launch in 2006. With increasing threats from new blight strains, FAB offers real-time insights on resistance and strategies, exemplifying collective industry action against evolving challenges.
Driving toward net zero: Irish potato firm hits green milestone with carbon cuts equal to 18,000+ trees
Wilson’s Country in Ireland partners with McCulla and SUSNEO to enhance sustainability through bio-methane fuelled logistics. In one year, they achieved significant carbon savings, equivalent to 403,374 kg of carbon, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The alliance aims for net zero emissions by 2050, bolstered by Wilson’s £3M investment in renewable energy. SUSNEO’s AI platform aids in optimizing sustainability metrics and emission reduction strategies.
Turning side streams into sustenance: The Better Meat Co. CEO highlights potatoes’ role in protein innovation
Paul Shapiro, CEO of The Better Meat Co., discusses how their new patent utilizes potato byproducts to create Rhiza, a sustainable mycoprotein. This innovative process transforms underused potato waste into high-value protein, significantly reducing land use and greenhouse gas emissions compared to animal protein. With strong demand and several partnerships, BMC aims to expand production while enhancing nutritional value, showcasing potatoes as essential in sustainable protein production.
‘From spuds to suds’: Atlantic Canada students turn potato waste into award-winning soap
Enactus-UPEI, a sustainable entrepreneurship club at the University of Prince Edward Island, developed Spuds2Suds, a potato soap aimed at addressing hygiene product shortages and reducing food waste. Their innovative project earned top regional honors and involves upcycling unharvested potatoes. For every bar sold, one is donated to local food banks. The team plans to expand its product line and will present their work at the national competition in Calgary in 2025.
UK potato industry urged to submit CIPC data to safeguard temporary residue limits
In 2024, the CIPC Residues Monitoring Group reported 102 residue data results from treated potato storage samples. This data supports the temporary maximum residue level (tMRL) for CIPC, essential to prevent exceedances in detection limits. The industry is urged to submit at least one multi-residue test result from CIPC-treated stores by May 31 to maintain the tMRL’s appropriateness and support potato storage integrity through data collection.