Produce Solutions agronomists at Greenvale, supported by Bayer, have received approval for the first minor use of a plant protection product, ‘Emerger’ (Aclonifen), to aid in managing PCN with DeCyst trap crops. This authorization provides an effective herbicide option, enhancing weed control crucial for establishing these crops, which reduce PCN populations by up to 80 percent, thereby securing the future of potato production.
The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) highlights a slowdown in potato retail and home consumption due to unseasonably warm summer weather. While early-season Queens sales were initially strong, they have now stalled amid a lackluster domestic market. Conversely, foodservice sales are expected to perform well during the holiday season. Additionally, a blight advisory alerts growers to protect crops as EU markets face supply pressure from new season potatoes.
Potatoes USA has released regional retail sales reports focusing on fresh potato performance across eight U.S. markets. These insights aim to assist grocery retailers in enhancing assortment, promotion, and merchandising strategies. The data reveals distinct consumer preferences and sales trends, such as California’s demand for larger pack sizes and varied region-specific growth patterns like increased russet sales in the Northeast. Full reports are available for retailers seeking tailored strategies.
With the UK and EU potato harvests looming, the industry awaits the impact of prolonged dry weather on yields. While Scotland reports healthy crops, English growers face irrigation challenges. Prices have collapsed due to high stocks and weak demand. Although crop quality is deteriorating in some European regions, expanded planting areas may still drive surplus. Final harvest outcomes will determine if rainfall shortfalls meaningfully shift supply and pricing trajectories.
The European potato market is experiencing increased pressure due to a significant rise in processing potato acreage, growing by 7.5% to over 600,000 hectares, according to a DCA Market Intelligence report. Despite a potential record harvest, stagnating fries exports and competition from low-cost countries like India and China pose challenges. High production costs, alongside risks from overproduction without contracts, threaten farmers and processors.
Dutch biotech company Solynta has secured €20 million in venture debt from the European Investment Bank, backed by the EU’s InvestEU programme, to accelerate the development of disease-resistant and climate-resilient potato varieties using true potato seeds. This innovative, non-GMO approach enhances global food security by improving storage, reducing crop losses, and minimizing chemical inputs. The funding supports Solynta’s mission to transform sustainable potato production worldwide.
The Transfarmation Project, launched by Mercy For Animals, aims to transition U.S. farmers from industrial animal agriculture to sustainable plant-based farming. Director Katherine Jernigan told Potato News Today that the initiative offers support for farmers seeking to pivot, emphasized by a demonstration hub in North Carolina showcasing sustainable practices. The potato industry is encouraged to participate by mentoring animal farmers in crop planning and other areas, promoting a humane agricultural future.
The J.R. Simplot Company plans to acquire Clarebout Potatoes, based in Belgium, to enhance the global frozen potato supply. This merger of two family-owned companies unites their strengths and shared values, with a focus on sustainability and localized production. Anticipated to close in 2025, the acquisition aims to expand operations and maintain Clarebout’s European presence, facilitating global distribution while addressing economic and environmental demands in the industry.
The North America Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) is witnessing increased online and in-field engagement as it prepares for its Potato Storage Symposium on July 28. The organization launched NAPSO+ to address storage needs beyond potatoes, indicating an expansion rather than a rebranding. The upcoming webinar series will cover essential topics for the potato storage community, reinforcing NAPSO’s role as a key resource for safety and technical guidance in the agricultural sector.
Soft rot and blackleg are two of the most destructive bacterial diseases in potato production, primarily caused by Pectobacterium and Dickeya species. This article, Compiled and published by Potatoes SA. outlines how these pathogens infect plants through wounds and moist conditions, leading to rapid tuber decay and stem collapse. It highlights symptoms, transmission pathways, and key risk factors, while emphasizing the importance of using certified seed, good sanitation practices, and environmental management to prevent outbreaks and protect yields.
Europe’s 2025 drought is one of the most severe on record, impacting agriculture, food security, and rural economies across the continent. Regional disparities and escalating climate volatility have led to significant crop losses, especially in potatoes, and heightened market instability. The crisis underscores the urgent need for adaptation, improved water management, and policy reforms to bolster resilience and ensure the long-term sustainability of European agriculture.
Regenerative potato farming is reshaping the future of the crop by prioritizing soil health, carbon sequestration, and climate resilience. Through cover cropping, composting, reduced tillage, and data-driven rotations, farmers are transforming fields into living carbon sinks. Despite agronomic and structural challenges, the movement is gaining traction worldwide—driven by ecological urgency, economic logic, and farmer innovation. A soil-first revolution in potato farming is not only possible—it’s already underway.
Warming temperatures are reshaping the global risk map for potato diseases, writes Lukei Pieterse in this article. Late blight, PVY, blackleg, zebra chip, and bacterial wilt are expanding into new regions, driven by shifting climates, vector dynamics, and environmental stress. The impacts extend from field to storage, undermining yield, seed quality, and marketability. This article explores emerging threats, affected regions, and the urgent need for adaptive strategies across breeding, forecasting, and integrated disease management.
Regenerative agriculture is transitioning to mainstream importance as stakeholders recognize its benefits for soil health, biodiversity, and climate change mitigation. The debate surrounding the involvement of deep technology in this biological approach questions whether high-tech solutions distract from ecological harmony. However, strategic technological innovation could enhance efficiency and address global challenges. Experts like Dan Barber advocate for AI’s potential in accelerating breeding processes for tailored plant genetics, emphasizing the importance of purpose in its application.