News By Region

From Ireland’s famine to Gaza’s hunger: Why the global potato industry must fight Israel’s starvation genocide of a defenseless people

September 30, 2025

In Gaza, a genocide unfolds as Israel’s military campaigns violently annihilate Palestinian life, predominantly affecting women and children. The death toll, exceeding 60,000, has resulted in extensive humanitarian crises due to the destruction of infrastructure and denial of aid. The United States’ unwavering support for Israel complicates international responses. The testimonies of survivors and journalists reveal profound grief and resilience, as global demands for justice amplify amid these atrocities.

‘Heat, drought, deluge’: Europe’s 2025 climate shock – extremes redraw potato risk maps

September 29, 2025

Europe’s 2025 growing season proved brutally disruptive for potatoes, with record heat, entrenched drought, and sudden cloudbursts reshaping yields and quality across key regions. As Lukie Pieterse notes in this article, farmers battled shrinking tuber sizes, irrigation shortfalls, and shifting disease pressure, while processors faced supply volatility. Experts warn this season is less anomaly than signal, underscoring the need for resilient varieties, smarter water management, and strategic zoning to secure Europe’s potato future.

Canada: Ontario potato growers optimistic despite earlier weather challenges

September 29, 2025

Despite challenging weather conditions, Ontario’s potato harvest is better than last year, though it remains below the five-year average. Quinton Woods from Gwillimdale Farms highlights improvements in crop quality, with clean and bright potatoes. Demand is steady, particularly ahead of Thanksgiving, but overall potato supply in Canada is lower, indicating potential demand strength. Pricing for smaller potatoes is similar to last year, while larger sizes see improvements.

The vanishing dormancy: Genetic breakthroughs to extend potato storage without chemicals

September 26, 2025

Researchers from Cranfield University, PepsiCo, and Solynta are working on extending potato dormancy without chemicals like CIPC, writes Lukie Pieterse in this article. Their project focuses on understanding the genetic and physiological aspects of dormancy to improve storage efficiency, aiming to reduce energy use and waste. The collaboration seeks to identify traits that enhance dormancy, with implications for reduced sprout losses and overall cost savings in potato storage. Results and advancements are expected by 2026.

Dutch potato products brand CêlaVíta will not restart; factory to be dismantled

September 24, 2025

CêlaVíta was declared bankrupt on August 13, 2025, due to rising costs, poor financial results, and debts of approximately 22 million euros. Curator Frans Aartsen announced that the company will not restart, as candidates withdrew due to the complexity of the production facility’s ownership. The factory in Wezep will be dismantled, and all 171 employees are being dismissed amid stalled potential sales.

Spuds of the future: Buba AI’s role in transforming potato breeding for sustainability

September 22, 2025

Buba is an AI-powered platform developed during the CIP’s 2024 AI-griculture Challenge, winning in 2025 for enhancing potato breeding. It addresses food security challenges by optimizing trait selection and improving variety development, significantly reducing breeding timelines. Key features include trait optimization, climate adaptation modeling, and disease resistance prediction. By integrating predictive analytics, Buba aims to support sustainable agriculture, benefiting farmers worldwide while promoting resilience and efficiency in breeding practices.

Potato Newswire Today: Innovator yields stall in the Netherlands, EU seed supply climbs, and Walther Farms sustains U.S. chip demand

September 17, 2025

The potato industry faces various challenges and innovations. In the Netherlands, the Innovator potato variety’s yield potential is limited due to drought and supply chain issues. Meanwhile, sustainability efforts by Walther Farms emphasize soil health for chip production. Europe anticipates stable seed potato supplies, while effective post-harvest protocols are crucial for market viability. Local sourcing in the Netherlands by McDonald’s showcases sustainable practices, and Ukraine’s logistics improvements aim to enhance market stability.

Potato Newswire Today: Mop-top alert in Tasmania, NZ exports climb, Sa Pobla fields fallow, Japan’s ‘wet chips’ trend

September 15, 2025

The potato industry faces significant challenges and innovations globally. Tasmania has identified the potato mop-top virus, prompting investigations and import bans. New Zealand’s processed potato exports increased 6.7%, reflecting strong demand. In Mallorca, rising costs and pests have led to over 500 potato fields being left uncultivated, threatening local agriculture. Japan introduces ‘wet’ potato chips, while Cropin secures funding for sustainable farming practices in Europe, targeting enhanced yield and eco-friendly sourcing.

Tariffs put Eastern Oregon potato industry on edge

September 15, 2025

In Eastern Oregon, a key area for U.S. potato production, stakeholders express concern over proposed tariffs on imports, which may increase costs for growers and processors, as reported by Lucas Hellberg. While export sales remain stable, fears of rising fertilizer and chemical prices loom. Tariffs could limit export opportunities and elevate pricing, straining profit margins in an already volatile market. Calls for policy exemptions highlight the need for job protection and competitiveness amid economic uncertainty.

Germany: Comprehensive genotyping of 6,357 potato accessions aims to speed drought-tolerant, low-input cultivars

September 15, 2025

Potatoes, the world’s fourth most essential crop, will undergo full genotyping in Germany through the POMORROW project, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. With 6,357 potato accessions in the gene bank, the initiative aims to identify traits for sustainable cultivation, focusing on drought tolerance. Research at the Max Planck Institute examines genetic diversity and mycorrhizal fungi interactions to enhance resilience and ensure reliable yields amid climate challenges.

Potato Newswire Today: From pesticide bans in Sweden to drought in P.E.I., Europe’s glut and India’s call for a national processors’ association

September 14, 2025

The potato industry is facing various challenges globally. In Sweden, farmers navigate PFAS pesticide concerns impacting health and production. P.E.I. growers in Canada anticipate substantial yield losses due to drought. Meanwhile, Dutch markets face price collapses linked to oversupply. India’s Tripura aims for seed self-sufficiency by 2030, while Galicia sees high-quality yields but falling prices. In the UK, a project tackles nematode issues. Pakistan’s inflation is affecting potato prices, highlighting economic volatility.

Flavour: The potato chip story

September 12, 2025

In this BBC podcast, Ruth Alexander explores the history of crisps, beginning with a tasting of fine wines and “rubbish crisps” in Manchester. With crisp historian Natalie Whittle, she uncovers the origins of potato chips in 19th century New York and interviews a chef from Frito-Lays about potential new flavors. Ruth also speaks with salty snack expert Jolene Ng and meets Makoto Ehara from Calbee, who discusses climate change’s impact on the industry.

Irish potato demand rises as autumn sets in; Europe deals with weaker sales/exports of frozen product

September 12, 2025

The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) reports notable growth in home consumption and retail potato sales in Ireland, attributed to settling weather and resumed school routines. However, challenges such as oversupply, quality constraints, and tariff-related trade issues may disrupt market dynamics. Additionally, while new Rooster potatoes are arriving, the processing market faces oversupply and insufficient storage. Increased production coincides with weakened frozen product sales, impacting exports amidst U.S. tariffs and a strong euro.

‘From farm to fryer’: Kiremko powers Al-Jouf’s fast-track French fry expansion in Saudi Arabia

September 12, 2025

Al-Jouf Agricultural Development Company has established a state-of-the-art French fry processing plant in Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with Kiremko, aimed at converting locally grown potatoes into premium products. In just 12 months, the facility’s capacity expanded from 5 to 7.5 tons per hour, featuring advanced washing, peeling, cutting, drying, and frying technologies. General Manager Abdulmohsin Aljarallah highlighted the project as a testament to excellence and strategic partnership, enhancing the Saudi food industry’s innovation and reliability.