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.
BASF crop specialists report a positive outlook for the U.S. potato crop amidst climate uncertainties and disease challenges. Notable performance is seen in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, with proactive crop protection strategies helping preserve yield potential. While disease pressures persist, especially from early blight and white mold, the introduction of Endura PRO fungicide has significantly aided management efforts. BASF emphasizes the importance of ongoing farmer support and technological innovation for sustainable production.
Spud Smart magazine is hosting a panel of experts on August 5 to discuss black dot disease and soil microbiomes’ role in potato cultivation, addressing growers’ concerns amid rising input costs. Expert insights will cover disease management, soil health, and the economic impact of interventions. Growers can submit questions until July 24 to shape the panel’s discussion, fostering engagement and addressing contemporary agricultural challenges.
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.
A recent study reveals that over 80% of UK farmers feel climate change jeopardizes their livelihoods due to extreme weather events. Research shows that 86% have faced extreme rainfall and 78% droughts, significantly affecting productivity and profits. Reported impacts include reduced productivity (87%), decreased crop yields (84%), and lower incomes (75%). The findings highlight farmers’ struggles against the increasing frequency of severe weather conditions and the subsequent economic challenges they face.
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.
This article by Lukie Pieterse discusses the challenges faced by potato growers in North America and Europe, highlighting the impact of pests like the Colorado potato beetle and diseases such as late blight. With regulations restricting chemical controls, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies are crucial for sustainable crop management. The article also covers emerging threats exacerbated by climate change and evolving pest resistance, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions like gene-edited potatoes and advanced monitoring technologies.
Josh Qualey, a potato farmer in Maine, faced a severe Colorado potato beetle infestation. After consulting with GreenLight Biosciences, he decided to try their RNA-based insecticide, Calantha. The product effectively eliminated the beetles, and Qualey noted its cost-effectiveness in protecting his substantial potato investment.
Fera Science has introduced a wireworm DNA barcoding test aimed at aiding UK growers in accurately identifying wireworm species to mitigate crop damage costing hundreds of thousands. Launched at Groundswell 2025, the tool stems from Fera’s ENIGMA I project, highlighting climate change’s effect on wireworm populations. With over 60 species in the UK, precise identification is essential for effective pest management and sustainable agricultural practices.
When a potato crop fails, what’s lost isn’t just yield – it’s dignity, hope, and emotional footing. This heartfelt article by Lukie Pieterse explores the inner toll of farming through adversity, drawing on composite stories, expert voices, and quiet truths. It calls on the industry to see beyond tonnage, to support the soul of the grower, and to honour the courage it takes not just to endure – but to plant again. Because behind every failed crop is a farmer who did not fail. They endured.
The Potato Sustainability Alliance (PSA) will host its 2025 Summer Symposium from July 15–17 in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. The event brings together growers, processors, researchers, and industry partners to explore key sustainability topics, including variety selection, pollinator health, and value chain collaboration. Held at The Holman Grand Hotel and the Culinary Institute of Canada, the symposium aims to drive meaningful dialogue and innovation in sustainable potato production across North America.
Potato growers across the globe are facing mounting economic pressure as retail and processor margins grow while farmgate prices stagnate or fall. This article by Lukie Pieterse explores the widening disconnect between production costs and grower returns, highlighting rising input inflation, market consolidation, and declining farmer morale. Without structural reforms and fair value distribution, the long-term sustainability of potato farming – and global food security – may be at risk.