German potato farmers are facing frustration despite a record harvest, as increased yields and cultivated areas have led to excessive market supply and falling prices. Farmer Fabian Wigger highlights the challenge of unsold potatoes, with some growers allowing crops to rot or diverting them to biogas plants. Wigger, relying on direct sales, must still adjust prices due to retail changes, noting the unprecedented storage issues his farm faces.
The European Association for Potato Research (EAPR) will host a joint Agronomy, Physiology and Post Harvest sections meeting in Warsaw, Poland, from 16–19 June 2026. The event will focus on field agronomy, plant physiology, storage and processing under changing climate and market conditions. Registration and abstract submission open in December 2025, with deadlines on 31 March 2026, and limited financial support planned for attending PhD students and early-career research community.
Potato “waste” is fast becoming a strategic asset. This feature maps the main by-product streams in modern potato chains and examines options such as peel-based fibre ingredients, biogas, lactic acid, bioplastics, biochar and nutrient recovery. It highlights economic and equity questions around who benefits from new biorefineries and circular hubs, and outlines practical steps growers and processors can take to turn disposal costs into long-term value.
This article examines how climate change, rising energy costs and grid instability are putting unprecedented pressure on potato storage. It explains why many existing stores were built for a cooler, more predictable world, and how insulation, smarter controls, backups, renewables and new business models are redefining the cold chain. The message is clear: storage is no longer a background cost, but a strategic resilience tool that must be deliberately redesigned.
This article explores how potato storage can make or break a season, showing how heat, wounds and moisture at harvest follow the crop into the pile. It explains curing, airflow, humidity and energy risk in practical terms, and argues that storage is not a cost centre but a strategic resilience tool – one that can quietly turn field-level climate shocks into either manageable challenges or very expensive failures for growers.
Emerald Research has rescheduled its live on-farm review of the 2025 UK potato season to Wednesday, 10 December at 12:30 pm UK time. This free event will feature the OptiYield 2025 Potato Farm Report, including live links to commercial farms. A panel led by Simon Fox will analyze agronomy decisions amidst challenging conditions, with insights for 2026. Registration is required, and a recording will be provided to attendees.
Global potato production hit 383 million tonnes in 2023, predominantly in Asia. Fertilizer costs and extreme climate events threaten yields, prompting a shift towards sustainable practices. Farmers are urged to rely less on synthetic fertilizers, instead using organic and crop-derived sources to enhance soil health. Regions are adapting methods, blending tradition with innovation, and exploring biofertilizers and cover crops to balance fertility needs while maintaining productivity and quality standards.
Glyphosate use in the UK has increased significantly over the last thirty years, particularly due to the adoption of min-till systems that depend on chemicals for weed control. However, attention is now turning towards sustainable practices aimed at improving soil biology and crop health. As costs rise and resistance to chemicals becomes a concern, farmers are exploring responsible weed control methods.
Steve Elfering highlights the long-term commitment of Potatoes USA to strengthen potato demand through various initiatives. These include collaborating with international companies, working with chefs to create innovative menu items, and investing in nutrition research. Potatoes USA aims to change perceptions around potatoes, educate healthcare professionals, and improve retail strategies. Elfering encourages industry involvement through board membership and participation in the Grower Survey for strategic focus.
Climate change is reshaping the patterns and risks of potato diseases like late blight, viruses, and nematodes, outpacing current management strategies, writes Lukie Pieterse in this article. Increasing temperatures and moisture are creating unpredictable disease baselines, complicating traditional forecasting. Advanced monitoring, including machine learning and portable diagnostics, is improving disease surveillance. However, the industry faces challenges with evolving resistance and regulatory pressures.
Royal HZPC Group is focusing on hybrid potato breeding, launching its NOVA varieties with the first in Kenya. CEO Hans Huistra highlights the benefits, including faster development of disease-resistant potatoes grown from seed, crucial for small-scale farmers lacking quality seeds. This innovative breeding addresses food security challenges. While hybrid potatoes will take time to reach Europe, they promise a transformative impact in targeted regions like Kenya.
Emerald Research will host a live OptiYield 2025 Potato Farm Report & Analysis seminar on 12 November at 12:30 pm (UK time). The session aims to analyze harvest outcomes amidst extreme weather challenges and discuss effective practices for 2026 planning. Notable guests include former Secretary George Eustice and agronomist Chris Gamble. The event is free, requiring registration, and will feature live farm footage and actionable insights for growers.
Emerald Research will host a live OptiYield 2025 Potato Farm Report & Analysis seminar on 12 November at 12:30 pm (UK time). The session aims to analyze harvest outcomes amidst extreme weather challenges and discuss effective practices for 2026 planning. Notable guests include former Secretary George Eustice and agronomist Chris Gamble. The event is free, requiring registration, and will feature live farm footage and actionable insights for growers.
Canada’s largest grocery chains have failed to meet their 2025 cage-free egg sourcing commitments, raising concerns about sustainability and transparency in their supply chains. A Mercy For Animals report indicates that no major retailer achieved the goal, with some receiving failing scores. This situation highlights the necessity for strong standards, clear roadmaps, and verified pricing across categories, including potatoes, to maintain consumer trust and governance in sustainability efforts.