The North America Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) held its inaugural virtual meeting on June 17, 2024, uniting industry experts dedicated to improving potato storage practices. Emphasizing the importance of efficient and sustainable storage, the founders outlined NAPSO’s mission to develop cutting-edge solutions for reducing waste, optimizing energy usage, and enhancing profitability. Future initiatives include conferences and community involvement to foster innovation and collaboration in the industry.
Global Trends
Mintec: UK potatoes at all-time highs for the second year in a row
The Mintec Benchmark for English white potatoes reached an all-time high of £750/MT on June 11th, an increase of 87.5% year-on-year. Market analyst Harry Campbell notes tight supplies will persist until the mid-July maincrop harvest. Delayed planting and lack of warm weather have kept prices elevated, marking the second year of record highs. Growers prefer higher free-buy prices over contracts due to climate impacts.
Report: Global processed potato market expected to reach $45 billion growth milestone by 2028
The global processed potatoes market is expected to grow by USD 45 billion between 2024 and 2028, driven by enhanced production capabilities and technological advancements according to Technavio. Key growth factors include investments in advanced technology and infrastructure, especially in North America and Europe. Challenges such as fluctuating raw material prices and regulatory standards persist, but sustainable practices are being adopted. Major players include Lamb Weston, McCain Foods, and The Kraft Heinz Company.
Europatat Activity Report 2023-2024 highlights unprecedented challenges and key achievements in the potato sector
The Europatat Annual Report 2023 highlights significant activities, achievements, and challenges of the European potato trade sector. Facing market turbulence due to legal changes, conflicts, and environmental factors, Europatat demonstrated resilience and adaptability. The report emphasizes strategic collaborations, policy advocacy, and efforts to promote fresh potatoes. Sustainability initiatives and research on potato stress resilience also feature prominently. The 2024 Congress in Brussels will address future sector challenges.
Market report: European potato prices rise on prospects of another delayed harvest
The Mintec Benchmark Price for Dutch processing potatoes rose by 26.7% in May to €475/MT, driven by the likelihood of delayed harvests due to wet planting conditions. Planting progress varies across Europe, with Germany nearly complete and Belgium lagging due to weather delays. France has planted over 80% of its area, and the Netherlands is nearly finished. Delays threaten seed potato quality, especially early varieties.
EU potato sector confronts late blight threat: Copa-Cogeca unveils comprehensive action plan
Europe’s leading farming organizations, Copa and Cogeca, are raising concerns about the re-emergence of potato late blight, a serious threat to European potato production. They have proposed an action plan, supported by several other EU farming organizations, to address this issue, emphasizing the need for effective plant protection products, resistant varieties, and improved agricultural practices. The plan includes developing coordinated measures with various stakeholders and increasing awareness among EU institutions to ensure effective control strategies.
The fascinating intelligence of potato plants: Insights researchers are confirming, but farmers already know
The concept of plant intelligence is revolutionizing agriculture, highlighting potatoes’ ability to perceive and respond to environmental stimuli through complex biochemical processes. This intelligence allows potatoes to adapt, communicate, and solve problems, such as optimizing root systems and photosynthesis. Recognizing these abilities can advance farming techniques, making them more sustainable and productive. Recent studies underscore how potatoes utilize these capabilities for nutrient uptake, pathogen resistance, and overall survival, offering strategies for precision agriculture and sustainable farming practices.
Canada: ‘This is Edmonton’ podcast explores Alberta’s prolific potato industry
In 2022, Alberta emerged as Canada’s leading potato producer, contributing 21.8% to the national output with over 1.2 million tonnes, surpassing Prince Edward Island and Manitoba. A significant factor is a new large-scale potato processing facility by The Little Potato Company in Nisku Business Park. Details of Alberta’s growing prominence in potato production were discussed in the “This is Edmonton” podcast, highlighting regional agricultural developments.
Spuds in crisis: Climate change hits European and global potato industry
Climate change is severely impacting potato crops globally, causing price surges and jeopardizing farmers’ livelihoods. Heavy rainfall, floods, and droughts have led to reduced yields, lower quality, and increased disease. From Canada’s significant losses to Europe’s crop declines and similar struggles in Africa and South America, the global potato industry is under stress. This crisis highlights the urgent need for action against climate change to protect food security and the agricultural sector.
Limited stocks and anticipated harvest delays keep UK potato prices on upward trend
UK potato prices have surged due to a low 2023 harvest and delayed planting, with English White potatoes now at £630/MT, showing a 90% increase, and Maris Piper potatoes at £660/MT, up by 120%. Market analyst Harry Campbell at Mintec writes that despite warmer May weather improving planting, supply constraints continue, leading growers to hold stocks in anticipation of prices reaching beyond £700/MT. The market remains primarily a sellers’ market.
Ireland and Europe face challenges in potato planting due to unpredictable weather
This week, potato farmers in Ireland and Europe face significant challenges due to erratic weather, affecting planting and crop progress as reported by the IFA. In Ireland, brief dry spells were insufficient for sustaining continuous planting, leading to potential supply issues in summer. Similar issues are observed across Europe, with France and neighboring countries experiencing severe planting delays. The IFA stresses the importance of strategic planning to mitigate weather impacts on agriculture.
‘The potato: A journey through time, cultures, and challenges’
This article, authored by Lukie Pieterse for UN Today, briefly explores the potato’s evolution from a wild Andean plant to a global dietary staple. Highlighting its historical and cultural significance, the piece delves into the crop’s role in human civilization, agricultural innovation, and its adaptability across varied climates. The narrative discusses the potato’s impact on societies, culinary traditions worldwide, and its ongoing adaptation to environmental challenges, as well as its crucial role in global food security and cultural diversity.
Possible potato shortage looms in Ireland as growers rush to late planting following bad weather
Irish shoppers may face potato shortages this summer due to delayed planting resulting from unusually wet weather, as reported by The Journal. This setback follows a poor harvest last year, further diminishing crop size. Teagasc experts predict supermarkets might resort to rationing potatoes. Additionally, with a sharp decline in Irish potato growers from 700 to 160 over the past decade, there’s a call for supermarkets to better support farmers and cease promotions of heavily discounted potatoes.
Unlocking the potential of the humble spud: Scientists explore ways to climate-proof potatoes
This article was written by Lukie Pieterse, Editor/Publisher of Potato News Today and co-founder of Potatoes Without Borders The potato, a staple food for millions around the world, faces a significant threat from climate change. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events are jeopardizing potato yields and posing a […]