Potato cultivation, integral to global agriculture, has evolved significantly in the U.S. with modern technologies. Satellite imagery, drones, IoT sensors, and AI analytics provide real-time insights into crop health and environmental conditions, revolutionizing farming practices. This shift towards precision agriculture enhances efficiency, sustainability, and productivity. EOSDA Crop Monitoring, a digital platform, plays a pivotal role by offering detailed analyses for optimal potato growth, marking a new era in agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship.
News By Region
Idaho’s trade mission to Mexico: A boon for the potato industry and beyond
Governor Brad Little of Idaho recently led a successful trade mission to Mexico, focusing on strengthening agricultural trade, also in potatoes. Joined by state departments and 20 Idaho businesses, the mission aimed to expand Idaho’s $202 million export market in Mexico. Key activities included promoting Idaho potatoes to major retailers and discussing research collaborations. This mission highlights Idaho’s commitment to enhancing its economy through international trade, especially in its renowned potato industry.
New head of breeding program wants to save Maine potatoes from climate change
Researchers at the University of Maine are using DNA science to develop climate-resilient potatoes for the region. Mario Andrade, the new head of the potato breeding program, plans to focus on heat tolerance and disease resistance. Collaborating with his predecessor, Gregory Porter, Andrade aims to leverage DNA technology for potato breeding, addressing Maine’s concerns about drought and excess moisture. This innovative approach marks a significant shift in agricultural practices.
How zero tillage potato cultivation is empowering women and transforming lives in Bangladesh
The International Potato Center has introduced a groundbreaking method for potato cultivation in coastal Bangladesh: zero tillage using rice straw mulch. This innovative technique addresses environmental challenges, promotes economic growth, women’s empowerment, and improved rural livelihoods. By recycling straw as mulch and not disturbing soil structure, the method enhances soil fertility, reduces carbon emissions, and allows for saline-tolerant potato cultivation, leading to increased agricultural productivity in challenging environments.
Innovations and insights to be unveiled at the 2024 Potato Business Summit in Austin, Texas
The 2024 Potato Business Summit, set for January 10 in Austin, Texas, will feature key industry leaders discussing market trends, economic outlooks, and technological advancements in potato cultivation. This event, a precursor to the Potato Expo, offers valuable networking opportunities for stakeholders in the potato industry, focusing on both the European and North American markets, consumer dynamics, and the future of potato farming and marketing.
GreenLight Biosciences unveils ‘Calantha’: A revolutionary new bioinsecticide for Colorado potato beetle control
GreenLight Biosciences’ Calantha, a groundbreaking RNA-based bioinsecticide, has received EPA and state registration for controlling the destructive Colorado potato beetle. This marks a significant advancement in agricultural pest management, offering a sustainable, effective alternative to traditional chemical pesticides. Calantha, which degrades quickly without leaving harmful residues, specifically targets and eliminates the beetle, addressing the growing issue of pesticide resistance. It represents a major step towards environmentally friendly farming practices.
Agtech’s new horizon: Five game-changing predictions for 2024
A Forbes article by Shayna Harris outlines five key predictions for the food and agtech sector in 2024. These include the pivotal role of farmland in carbon management, the resurgence of alternative proteins, the shift from carbon offsets to insets, technological advancements in traditionally ‘boring’ industries, and a more cautious investment approach focusing on fundamental strengths. The insights reflect the sector’s response to global challenges and evolving consumer demands.
EPA greenlights novel biopesticide, targeting Colorado potato beetle with RNA technology
The EPA announced last week that it has registered Ledprona, a biopesticide using dsRNA for potato crops to combat the Colorado potato beetle. This RNA interference technology targets the beetle without creating genetically modified organisms. It offers an alternative to chemical pesticides, addressing resistance management and aiding in climate change challenges. The EPA rigorously evaluated Ledprona’s safety, making its registration a significant advancement in environmentally friendly pest control methods.
Unusually wet weather results in lower potato harvest in Maine
Maine potato growers faced a challenging harvest due to heavy rain, resulting in 700 million pounds fewer potatoes than in 2022. The state’s wet weather damaged crops and increased pest activity, causing farmers to leave behind overly saturated potatoes. Despite the decrease, this year’s crop still ranks as the third largest in the last five years. Most of the potatoes go to processors, with russets comprising three-quarters of the crop.
An organic evolution: Kroeker Farms’ journey to sustainable potato farming
Kroeker Farms, based in Manitoba, Canada, prioritizes sustainable potato production. While mainly conventional, they are a leading organic potato producer in North America. Their sustainable practices include crop rotation, soil health maintenance, and responsible water management. Chief Operating Officer Harwin Bouwman emphasizes the farm’s long-term impact considerations, guiding their strategic investments in organic production and sustainable water management, positioning them at the forefront of environmentally conscious potato farming.
Transforming agri-business: Key technological trends to watch in 2024
The agricultural industry is embracing advanced technology amidst extreme weather and supply chain challenges. CEO Ron Baruchi outlines five key trends for 2024 that could transform the industry: Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI), digital twins for field trials optimization, regenerative agriculture innovations, cloud-based technologies, and sustainable packaging solutions. These trends aim to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and productivity as the industry adapts to a growing population and evolving consumer demands.
The future of farming: Insights from the World Potato Congress webinar on combatting food loss
In a recent webinar hosted by the World Potato Congress, Luciana Delgado analyzed losses in the potato value chain, emphasizing their impact on food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Delgado presented the “Food Losses App,” a tool to assess and address food losses for farmers, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 12.3. She emphasized the unequal impacts of food loss, the need for precise measurement, targeted interventions, and creating a business case for reducing losses at the producer level.
Agricultural innovators: Pioneering project calls for British farmers to help train robots in slug control
A groundbreaking trial in the UK will equip farmers with special rigs to train robots to detect and treat slugs in arable crops. The project, part of SLIMERS, aims to develop sustainable slug control strategies using advanced technology and biological agents. Farmers can participate in a webinar on January 10 and receive payment for their involvement. The initiative seeks to enlist farmers with a strong understanding of pest control and a willingness to embrace new technologies.
Progress in the fight against potato wart: CFIA and PEI potato industry’s joint efforts outlined
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Prince Edward Island (PEI) potato industry are collaborating to combat the spread of potato wart, a critical initiative for the nation’s economy. CFIA says in a press release it is seeking feedback on key Risk Management Documents to shape a new National Potato Wart Response Plan. Initiatives include a tool to identify restricted areas for potato growers and a comprehensive guide on movement requirements and biosecurity. The latest survey reveals no new instances of potato wart on PEI.