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Latest North American News

Strong El Niño puts potato storage economics under scrutiny in new NAPSO bulletin

The North America Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) warns that the intensifying El Niño phenomenon could significantly impact potato storability, energy costs, and market returns post-2026 harvest. A recent bulletin merges climate assessments with potato-storage research, highlighting challenges from warmer temperatures and uncertain precipitation patterns. Essential factors for storage management include tuber condition, local weather, and monitoring variables such as bruising and moisture levels, influencing economic outcomes.

Latest European News

Urschel’s new Little Gem Aspire Dicer and its other high-performing cutting solutions to be featured at SIAL Paris

Urschel will showcase its innovative Little Gem Aspire™ Dicer at SIAL Paris from October 17-21, 2026, along with other heavy-duty equipment. Attendees can see live demonstrations and learn about precision cutting solutions that enhance operational efficiency. Key machinery includes the CCX-D Shredder, Sprint 2® Dicer, Comitrol® Processor Model 1700, and Comitrol® Disc Mill (DM) 380. Visit Booth P230 in Hall 5A for more information.

Smart Farming

‘Weed hunters reloaded’: Canadian scientists targeting troublesome weeds with grit and innovation

Dr. Andrew McKenzie-Gopsill’s research explores a novel weed control method for Canadian farmers using baking soda and corn cob grit. By employing abrasive techniques and bioherbicides, the approach effectively targets stubborn weeds, like lamb’s quarters and wild buckwheat, without harming potato crops or yields. While promising, challenges include sourcing materials and costs. This method particularly benefits high-value and organic crops, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional herbicides.

Latest news stories from around the World

From rice straw to potato fields: Vietnam connects crop rotations, composting and regional learning

A recent workshop in northern Vietnam focused on integrating potatoes into diversified farming systems, linking crop production, nutrient management, and local markets. Participants visited the Nam Cuong Cooperative to discuss innovative practices in rice and potato farming, aiming to enhance farmers’ livelihoods. The cooperative exemplifies how coordinated crop management can optimize resources. The collaboration explores sustainable practices, seed management, and composting, reinforcing the importance of adaptable farming strategies for broader agricultural success.

October 12, 2026

Strong El Niño puts potato storage economics under scrutiny in new NAPSO bulletin

October 12, 2026

Urschel’s new Little Gem Aspire Dicer and its other high-performing cutting solutions to be featured at SIAL Paris

October 12, 2026

Elea wins Silver International FoodTec Award 2027 for PiCon Sense

Elea Technology GmbH has won the Silver International FoodTec Award 2027 for its PiCon Sense platform, which enhances Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) process monitoring and optimization. This innovation allows food processors to utilize real-time data and AI analysis to improve treatment effectiveness. The award will be presented during Anuga FoodTec 2027 in Cologne, where Elea will exhibit its advanced PEF technology and applications, reinforcing its leadership in the industry.

October 12, 2026

Beyond the harvest: England’s potato growers face a critical winter water test

The recent drought update highlights the urgent need for England’s potato industry to focus on replenishing irrigation reservoirs, as many are only 0-20% full. A temporary regulatory measure allows some growers to refill outside typical periods but requires compliance with environmental protections. The situation emphasizes the importance of water management for future production, stressing that separate assessments of past yields and future resource availability are crucial for planning.

October 10, 2026

Breeding for the plate: Poulette potato brings a decade of flavor-led development into retail

Row 7’s Poulette potato, developed through collaboration between chefs, breeders, and growers, offers a unique roast chicken flavor. Available in select Whole Foods, it demonstrates a new culinary approach to potato marketing. Consumer response will gauge its commercial success. Originating from a conversation between Chef Michel Bras and breeder Walter De Jong, the project emphasizes flavor alongside agricultural viability, shaping future potato breeding and consumer choices.

October 10, 2026

The final loads matter: NAPSO urges extra care as harvest pressures mount

As potato harvesting wraps up in North America, the North America Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) emphasizes the importance of safety amidst the pressure. Their article outlines essential precautions for growers and workers, highlighting communication, risk assessments, and fatigue management. Protecting worker safety is crucial, as incidents can impact entire communities. The article provides safety check questions and resources to support safe storage practices during this critical time.

October 10, 2026

Assessing the autumn potato crop: Germany’s harvest outlook depends on both production volume and marketable quality

Germany anticipates a significantly reduced potato harvest of about 10.4 million tonnes in 2026, down from 13.9 million tonnes in 2025. Weather factors and decreased planting area have influenced this decline. Industry representatives emphasize that while production is lower, it does not necessarily mean supply shortages due to existing demand, storage conditions, and market specifics. Further assessments will clarify how the crop meets market needs throughout the season.

October 8, 2026

From resistance genes to hybrid seed: CIP sets out two routes to stronger potato production

A recent update by the International Potato Center (CIP) highlights advances in late blight resistance and diploid hybrid breeding techniques presented by Director General Simon Heck at the World Agrifood Innovation Conference in Beijing. The emphasis on local partnerships aims to enhance farmer access to these innovations. Multiple approaches, including biotechnology and hybrid breeding, aim to improve potato varieties, addressing biological challenges while ensuring market compatibility and reliable seed supply for sustainable agricultural practices.

October 8, 2026

Big potatoes, tighter choices: US harvest advances while large russets remain under pressure

The US potato harvest is underway, with good quality and availability reported. However, there are tight supplies of larger russets in Idaho and ongoing demand for bigger sizes in Washington. While harvesting improves general availability, specific size shortages may persist, affecting restaurants and distributors. Factors including varying regional crop performance and processor demand also impact market conditions, necessitating careful monitoring of specifications and communication among buyers and suppliers.

October 8, 2026

First International Potato Symposium: Europe’s potato sector calls for closer cooperation as climate and market pressures mount

The 1st International Potato Symposium in Madrid on October 5 gathered approximately 250 professionals to discuss challenges and opportunities within the potato sector. Organized by FEPEX and Europatat, the event focused on production, market developments, plant health, and sustainability. Key speakers addressed the complexities of potato production amidst climate change and resource pressures. The symposium emphasized collaboration across the value chain to address shared challenges and ensure a strong European potato sector in future policy discussions.

October 8, 2026

Connecting Urschel-KRONEN processing line solutions to make trade show debut at Pack Expo

Urschel and KRONEN equipment will be showcased at Pack Expo in Chicago from October 18-21, 2026, demonstrating their collaborative processing line solutions. Attendees can see machines like the Sprint 2 Dicer and HEWA 3800 PLUS in action, focusing on optimizing production and sanitation. Visitors are invited to Booth LU-7135 for insights into additional equipment, including the new Little Gem Aspire Dicer, and to learn about test-cutting services.

October 1, 2026

More than calories: Can an iron-rich potato change a family’s health?

Peru is moving two conventionally bred, iron-rich potato varieties into certified seed production after decades of research. The science is promising: a controlled trial found that meals made from an iron-biofortified potato delivered substantially more absorbed iron than a conventional comparison. Yet breeding is only the beginning. Seed availability, farmer confidence, culinary acceptance, affordability and public-health coordination will determine whether a better tuber becomes measurably better nutrition for Andean families.

September 30, 2026

Elea: Insights from the PEF Advantage Day and where PEF is heading next

Elea Technology is showcasing its advancements in pulsed electric field (PEF) technology through various projects, including its insights from PEF Advantage Day 2026 and participation in WCE 2026. The event highlighted new process monitoring developments, featuring the PiCon Sense and PiCon Vision systems. Elea is collaborating with Kiron Food Processing Technologies to enhance potato processing in India. Upcoming events will provide opportunities to discuss PEF applications and innovations in food processing.

September 29, 2026

Beyond the congress hall: Will Kenya 2026 leave a lasting potato legacy?

From 26 to 30 October, the World Potato Congress will meet in Kenya—the first edition held in sub-Saharan Africa. Delegates from 62 countries are already registered, but the event’s significance extends beyond attendance figures. Its lasting value will depend on whether global science, investment and technology connect with farmers’ everyday constraints, and whether African growers, researchers, young people and businesses help set the agenda rather than merely host it there.

September 29, 2026

Salt in the root zone: An emerging test for global potato production

Soil salinity is quietly reducing potato performance in irrigated and coastal production regions, often before obvious symptoms appear. New research suggests that zinc and phosphorus may help certain potato genotypes withstand salt stress, but it is not yet a field-ready prescription. The larger lesson is practical: test water and soil, understand where salts accumulate, protect drainage and match varieties and nutrients to the root-zone problem before yields begin to disappear.

September 29, 2026

Before Europe plants again: The changing shape of its seed-potato supply

Europe’s seed-potato multiplication area has fallen to 105,155 hectares across six leading regions, but the headline decline tells only part of the story. The sharper contraction in major French-fry varieties, combined with certification risk and concentrated production, could shape planting choices in 2027. This article examines what the figures mean, what they do not prove, and why Europe’s seed growers remain essential to potato supply chains far beyond the continent.

September 29, 2026

Less nitrogen, but the same crop?

A Prince Edward Island field study found that reducing potato nitrogen applications by 25% preserved marketable yield while some combinations of rotation and enhanced-efficiency fertiliser sharply lowered nitrous oxide emissions. The result is promising, but it is not a universal recommendation to cut rates. It demonstrates why nitrogen decisions should reflect soil supply, rotation history, weather, variety and requirements—and why measuring the crop matters more than following a habitual number.

September 28, 2026

‘Weed hunters reloaded’: Canadian scientists targeting troublesome weeds with grit and innovation

September 28, 2026

EU-4 potato production set to fall by almost a quarter

The EU-4 potato harvest is projected to decline significantly this season, with an estimated production of 20.8 million tonnes, about 25% lower than last year due to reduced acreage and yields influenced by adverse weather and market conditions. This reduction impacts the European processing industry, although many contracts were secured prior to harvest, stabilizing prices somewhat. The effects on growers are direct, while processing costs remain complex and variable.

September 25, 2026

Potatoes, humane farming and the wider circle of care

Potatoes may seem far removed from animal welfare, but they occupy an important place in the wider conversation about humane farming. As organisations such as Mercy For Animals support farmers seeking alternatives to industrial animal agriculture through initiatives like The Transfarmation Project, the potato sector has an opportunity to contribute practical crop knowledge, market insight and solidarity rooted in farmer dignity, food security and responsible land stewardship.

September 25, 2026

PapaDX moves beyond photo diagnosis as AI assistant learns the history of individual potato fields

PapaDX, an AI-driven app developed in Argentina, has expanded from basic image-based crop diagnosis to a comprehensive digital assistant for potato growers. Its new features include field-specific memory tracking, Growing Degree Days monitoring, and a weed identification function. These updates enhance crop management by anticipating risks and contextualizing field history, marking a shift from reactive diagnosis to proactive support, ultimately aiming to empower growers in potato production.

September 23, 2026

How cold chain logistics helps reduce waste in fresh and frozen potato distribution

Potatoes are vital to global food supply, yet significant amounts spoil before reaching consumers due to inadequate cold chain logistics. Effective temperature and humidity control from harvest to storage is crucial to minimize degradation and sprouting. Cold storage and consistent monitoring throughout transportation prevent quality loss. Implementing efficient cold chain practices reduces waste, benefiting both profitability and sustainability, while enhancing potato supply chain resilience for manufacturers and distributors.

September 23, 2026

What the canopy cannot tell us: Heat damage hidden inside the potato ridge

Recent potato losses in East Asia due to extreme heat highlight significant production risks. South Korean grower Lee Sang-hyuk discovered that potatoes, seemingly healthy above ground, were damaged beneath the surface during a heatwave. The temperatures disrupt tuber formation, impacting yield and quality. The findings emphasize that managing soil temperature and moisture is crucial, as traditional measurements may not reflect the conditions tubers experience, leading to hidden crop losses.

September 10, 2026

Can a digital twin support potato irrigation without permanent field sensors?

AGORÀ, developed by VAIMEE, helps potato growers optimize irrigation decisions by integrating crop, soil, weather, and management data. This decision-support system updates daily and can predict irrigation needs for up to three days ahead, relying on existing field data. A 2026 assessment in Italy compared AGORÀ’s recommendations with actual irrigation events, exploring various configurations to enhance timing, while keeping the grower involved in final decisions. The study didn’t assess the impact on crop yield or quality.

September 8, 2026