In Germany, potato prices have significantly decreased due to a record harvest, with 13.4 million tons expected in 2025, marking a 5.3% increase from the previous year and 17% above the average. Conversely, Belarus faces a potato shortage and rising prices, with costs increasing by 31% in 2024 and 22.3% compared to December 2024. Potato cultivation area in Belarus has also sharply declined over the past two decades.
U.S. demand for Canadian table potatoes may decrease due to a large U.S. crop and low prices, with Canadian production projected at 122.2 million cwt in 2025, 4.7% less than 2024. In Michigan, average yields for chip potatoes correspond with balanced supply and demand. However, some Canadian provinces lack sufficient rainfall, affecting yields, while the Prairie Provinces and British Columbia report favorable conditions. Overall, table potato supplies in Canada are expected to decline.
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.
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.
Kevin Folta’s Genetic Literacy Project viewpoint advocates for technology-driven agricultural intensification to meet global nutrition, climate, and equity challenges. He highlights innovation as essential for achieving “Green Revolution 2.0” goals, such as reducing food waste and carbon footprints. With shrinking arable land and rising pressures, tools like genome-guided selection, big data, gene editing, and robotics can enhance crop resilience and sustainability, aligning with industry aims in the potato sector.
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.
In early 2025, the European potato market faced a significant downturn due to weakened demand for French fries, growing international competition, and an oversupply from a record harvest. Growers and processors are struggling with low prices and heightened volatility as over 80% of potatoes are contracted directly, exacerbating market instabilities. DCA Market Intelligence highlights ten key changes shaping the market’s future in a new downloadable whitepaper.
The UK’s warmest summer on record has put potato production in the spotlight, with experts warning urgent action is needed. Professor Ian Toth of the National Potato Innovation Centre says current varieties cannot withstand extreme heat and drought, raising risks of higher imports. Farmers are calling for resilient varieties, while food analysts warn staples like potatoes face mounting pressure from climate change and soaring food inflation.
On 27 August 2025, leaders from the potato sector convened at the conference “Europe’s Place in a Changing Potato World” in the Netherlands to assess competitive strategies amid global trade changes. With insights from various industry speakers, the discussions highlighted internal challenges like climate impacts and market volatility, while pointing to growing global demand as an opportunity. Key takeaways included the importance of innovation, quality, and collaboration in maintaining European competitiveness.
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.
Investindustrial has agreed to acquire Kiremko, Idaho Steel, and Reyco, uniting three global leaders in potato processing equipment. With over a century of combined expertise and $200M in 2024 sales, the Group serves 300+ customers in 50 countries. Backed by Investindustrial’s sector knowledge and global reach, the deal aims to accelerate innovation, integration, and expansion while strengthening competitiveness in the global food processing industry.
This article, by Lukie Pieterse of Potato News Today, provides an overview of India’s rapidly expanding frozen French fry sector, with Gujarat as its core hub and new processing hubs emerging in Madhya Pradesh and Punjab. Once an importer, India now exports more fries than it consumes domestically, supplying Gulf and Southeast Asian markets. With major investments from McCain, HyFun, Iscon Balaji, Falcon Agrifriz, and Himalaya Food, processing capacity is expected to double by 2027.
The Potato Sustainability Alliance’s 2024 North American On-Farm Sustainability Assessment Report shows record participation, with 474 growers across 640,002 acres—about half of North America’s potato acreage. Using the SOA Standard via the Cropwise™ Sustainability app, growers achieved a collective High performance rating, up from Medium in 2023. Key gains include improved soil health, optimized water use, and greater engagement in environmental initiatives, with the 2025 assessment set for October to December.
Heirloom and landrace potatoes are experiencing a revival driven by culture, identity, and market potential, contrasting with common commercial varieties, writes Lukie Pieterse in this article. This resurgence is fueled by consumer demand for provenance, biodiversity, and culinary uniqueness. Policy support in Europe and North America facilitates access for small growers. These potatoes embody genetic diversity, cultural heritage, and sensory appeal, representing viable products in premium markets, while offering challenges in yield and handling.