McCain Foods’ 2024 Sustainability Report highlights its progress in sustainable sourcing and regenerative agriculture, with 71% of farmers onboarded to their framework and 24% engaged in practices enhancing farm resilience. Achievements include 25% renewable electricity use, a 12% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2017, and over 18 million meals donated. The company emphasizes collaboration and aims for a lasting impact on the food system.
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President and board chairman of Black Gold Farms Gregg Halverson named 2025 Potato Person of the Year
Gregg Halverson, president and board chairman of Black Gold Farms, was honored as the 2025 Potato Person of the Year at the National Potato Council’s Washington Summit. His career in the potato industry began with his grandfather, and he values working alongside family. Halverson significantly contributed to the company’s growth and diversification, expanding its offerings and operations across multiple states.
Devastating frost hits Cyprus potato crops, farmers face heavy losses
A severe frost has devastated Cyprus potato farmers, causing significant crop damage, particularly in the Famagusta district. Many farmers report losses of up to 90%, jeopardizing the industry’s future. With rising costs and extensive destruction, farmers are urging the government for immediate financial support. The Agriculture Ministry is monitoring the situation, but growers remain concerned about timely compensation and the sustainability of their livelihoods.
UW–Madison researchers and Wisconsin farmers work together to produce healthy potato harvests
Andy Diercks, a fourth-generation potato farmer in Wisconsin, candidly describes the challenges facing family farms. He collaborates closely with UW–Madison researchers led by Amanda Gevens, who provide vital disease management information. Their partnership fosters innovations like aerial imaging to detect plant diseases early. Diercks values this relationship, emphasizing its importance in sustaining his family’s successful farming legacy.
Safeguarding potato seed: NAPSO webinar to cover storage and disease prevention
The North American Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) will host a webinar, “Storing for Success: Protecting Potato Seed & Preventing Disease,” on February 24, 2025, at 10am PST/1pm EST. Featuring experts Kasia Duellman and James Alford, the session will cover seed storage, shipping practices, treatment methods, and crucial planting considerations. Attendees can join via Microsoft Teams by contacting NAPSO for registration details.
Plant-based innovation triumphs: Aviko Rixona celebrates Gulfood 2025 win as ARK34 Ltd takes home ‘Best Frozen Product’ award
Aviko Rixona celebrates the success of ARK34 Ltd. at Gulfood 2025, where its Tater Cheezz Nugget won the ‘Best Frozen Product’ award. This innovative frozen food features Potato Cheezz, a plant-based cheese alternative made entirely from potatoes, catering to the rising demand for allergen-free and environmentally sustainable options. Aviko Rixona continues to lead in the plant-based food innovation sector, showcasing the versatility of potatoes.
Irish potato market steady as European prices plateau amid slowing demand
The Irish potato market shows stability with steady retail demand and consumption, according to the Irish Farmers Association. Despite recent pressures on farm-gate prices, analysts expect stabilization due to balanced supply. Meanwhile, European prices have plateaued, with subdued free-buy demand and declining export volumes, as buyers await possible price adjustments, but steady trade continues, particularly from the Netherlands to the Caribbean and Africa.
Breakthrough technology from Acadian Plant Health helps farmers combat climate-driven yield loss
Canadian company Acadian Plant Health has launched its ‘Abiotic Stress Management’ (ASM) portfolio to combat abiotic stress, a primary cause of global crop yield loss. The ASM technology enhances plant growth and stress tolerance, addressing severe climate impacts that lead to substantial income losses for farmers. This innovative biostimulant solution aims to bolster resilience, optimize farming practices, and promote sustainable agriculture in changing environmental conditions.
McCain steps in to support UK potato farmers hit by flooding and other challenges
McCain Foods, the UK’s largest frozen potato product manufacturer, will increase financial support for potato farmers by £30m over three years amid climate change challenges. A poll showed that over half of farmers have seen significant yield losses due to climate change, leading to rising operational costs. McCain plans to adjust potato prices and provide advanced payments to alleviate cash flow issues.
Turning surplus into sustenance: Albert Bartlett reaches 15 million meal milestone with FareShare
Leading potato supplier Albert Bartlett has marked a milestone of supplying 15 million meals to FareShare, reflecting a 15-year partnership aimed at reducing food waste and supporting vulnerable communities in the UK. This collaboration provides surplus potatoes to charities, enabling them to deliver nutritious meals to those facing food insecurity. The initiative exemplifies a commitment to community support during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Inside the battle against potato wart: How Canadian scientists lead the fight against a devastating crop disease
Potato wart leads to significant potato production issues. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) researchers, including Dr. Hai Nguyen and Dr. David De Koeyer, are advancing genomic studies to identify resistant potato varieties and develop better detection tools. Their collaborative efforts aim to mitigate the economic impacts of potato wart through improved breeding and research. AAFC St. John’s researchers Dr. Linda Jewell are supporting the research efforts at the Avondale site in Newfoundland.
DCA Market Intelligence launches new Potato Platform and three exclusive Frozen Fries Indices
DCA Market Intelligence enhances its role as a leading Price Reporting Agency in the international potato market by launching the DCA Potato Platform and three Frozen Fries Indices. This platform provides independent benchmarks, market analyses, and comprehensive data on trade flows and price trends, aiding professionals in the frozen fries supply chain. The indices serve as objective reference points for market participants.
JBT Corporation announces takeover of Marel and commences trading as JBT Marel Corporation
JBT Marel Corporation has successfully settled its takeover of Marel hf, with shares commencing trade under the ticker “JBTM.” CEO Brian Deck highlighted the merger’s potential to transform the food industry through enhanced solutions and integration. The company initiates a compulsory acquisition of remaining Marel shares, expects delisting from Euronext Amsterdam and Nasdaq Iceland, and plans to report financial results in late February 2025.
Royal HZPC Group poised for record-breaking year: Seed potato sales expected to surpass 1 million tons
Royal HZPC Group anticipates a strong financial outcome for 2024/2025, expecting to surpass 1 million tons in global seed potato sales for the first time. With a favorable harvest and robust demand, revenue is projected at around €500 million, alongside historically high payouts to growers. John Thijssen joins the Supervisory Board, succeeding Michael Kester as chairman, ensuring a focus on global food security.