No-nonsense, no-frills potato news stories from around the world
Processing line solutions featuring Urschel® and KRONEN® equipment will be shown during Pack Expo, held at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois from October18-21, 2026. For the first time on a showroom floor, processors can witness how Urschel and KRONEN machinery work in tandem to optimize production via a Sprint 2® Dicer and KRONEN HEWA 3800 PLUS, connected with a KRONEN conveyor. Visit Urschel[Read More…]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Potato growers across North America face increasing pressure to optimize water usage, with alternatives like drip irrigation and centre pivots vying for efficacy. Drip irrigation is recognized for precision but competes with well-established centre pivots that suit large-scale operations. The suitability of each system varies regionally, influenced by factors like soil type and water availability. Factors such as operational efficiency, costs, and environmental impacts must be weighed to determine the best irrigation approach for specific situations.
Potato growers are increasingly utilizing sensors, weather data, and automated controls to enhance drip irrigation efficiency. However, the synthesis of these technologies with sound agronomy is essential for optimal decision-making. Recent trials in the UK illustrate the importance of precise irrigation management tailored to soil conditions. While automation offers promise, human judgment remains crucial in managing water usage amid changing climates, ensuring sustainable practices.
Drip irrigation has shown potential to reduce water use and increase potato yield in Britain, but its successful implementation involves careful engineering and integration with existing farming practices. A trial indicated a 25% reduction in water use and an 18% yield increase, yet results may vary by context. Effective management, precise tape placement, and continuous monitoring are crucial for maximizing benefits while addressing the operational challenges faced by growers.
The article discusses the benefits and challenges of drip irrigation in potato production. While it allows precise water and nutrient delivery, effective use relies on proper management and design. Maintaining stable soil moisture is critical during tuber initiation and bulking, as both under and over-watering can negatively impact yields. Different soil types affect the wetting pattern, necessitating tailored approaches. Fertigation enhances nutrient management, but precision is vital to avoid errors.
Scotts Precision Manufacturing will showcase its flagship Evolution Separator at PotatoEurope 2026, hosted near Hanover, Germany, on September 9-10. The machine is designed for efficient crop cleaning, removing debris while minimizing damage. Celebrating its 1,000th unit sold, Scotts emphasizes the Evolution’s versatility across various crops. This event, focusing on practical agricultural technology, allows attendees to engage with Scotts at Stand GD40 to explore its applications further.
Priyankaben Chiragbhai Patel’s journey in northern Gujarat showcases the integration of digital tools in potato farming, emphasizing women’s evolving roles in agricultural management. With support from HyFarm, she utilizes mobile apps and sensors for irrigation and crop monitoring across her family’s 30-acre farm. Her experience illustrates the shift towards data-driven decisions, highlighting the importance of timely information while still valuing traditional farming practices.
Two prominent names in the potato industry, Haith and GRIMME, will co-exhibit at Potato Europe for the first time on September 9-10 in Springe, Germany. Haith will showcase its extensive range of potato handling machinery, emphasizing its quality and manufacturing standards. The collaboration aims to highlight the synergy between both companies, providing comprehensive solutions for the potato industry from planting to packing, fostering innovation and sustainability.
Aconcagua Digital has launched PapaDX, a mobile application for potato growers that analyzes crop photographs to diagnose health issues using AI technology. Released in August 2026, it offers confidence ratings and management suggestions based on identified diseases, pests, and nutrient deficiencies. In addition to visual assessments, PapaDX provides weather alerts to predict disease risk. While a useful tool, it should not replace professional consultation for accurate diagnoses.
Potatoes contain little simple sugar, but labeling them as “low sugar” can mislead consumers regarding their blood glucose impact. The primary carbohydrate in potatoes is starch, which can significantly raise blood glucose levels after digestion. Various factors like processing, cooking methods, and potato variety influence glycaemic response. Clear, precise labeling is essential in the potato industry to help consumers understand the nutritional implications and avoid misconceptions related to terms like “low sugar” or “low GI.”
The Farmsort.one optical precision sorter revolutionizes potato classification by employing multiple IDS industrial cameras over a 1.5-metre inspection section. This system meets rising quality demands and labor shortages in agriculture by enabling multi-grade sorting based on size and quality in a single pass. It reduces manual resourcing, emphasizing repeated inspections and controlled handling, ensuring reliable assessments even in challenging conditions, thus optimizing overall throughput.
The GAIN-RT initiative, announced on August 18, 2026, aims to enhance potato breeding through artificial intelligence, focusing on climate resilience and disease resistance. Collaborating with institutions such as the International Potato Center and KALRO, GAIN-RT will combine genomic and environmental data to improve selection processes. However, concerns remain about AI’s limitations and the necessity for local insights, training, and effective seed systems to ensure successful variety adoption by farmers.
Recent research from Europe and North America reveals that increased irrigation does not guarantee better potato yields, challenging common practices. Factors such as crop stage, cultivar, and irrigation method influence outcomes significantly. Findings indicate that effective water management relies on precise decisions regarding irrigation timing and amount, rather than general assumptions, emphasizing economic productivity over simple yield maximization. The industry should embrace a holistic approach to enhance drought resilience.
Labour shortages in the potato industry are prompting increased investment in automation technologies like optical sorting and autonomous equipment. While these advancements can enhance efficiency and reduce manual tasks, success hinges on skilled workers who can adapt to new roles. The transition emphasizes collaboration between experienced employees and technology, focusing on responsible changes that support affected workers. The industry’s future relies on a balance of sophisticated machinery and human expertise.
Potato breeding has advanced significantly with improved varieties offering disease resistance and climate resilience. However, the real challenge lies in successfully multiplying these varieties into sufficient healthy planting materials at affordable prices for growers. A lack of effective seed systems leads to disparities in yield globally. This bottleneck highlights the need for investment in systems that connect breeding advances with practical seed availability for farmers, ensuring commercial success and food security.
The potato industry’s approach to crop protection is evolving due to fungicide-resistant pathogens, symptomless virus infections, and complex pathogen movement. Effective management now demands early detection and coordinated surveillance, transitioning disease identification from mere reaction to proactive monitoring. Recent experiences, such as Denmark’s handling of the resistant EU43 genotype, highlight the importance of integrating advanced forecasting, rapid diagnostics, and biosecurity protocols to protect potato crops against emerging biological threats.
The potato breeding industry faces challenges from climate change, evolving diseases, and high production costs, complicating the development of new varieties. Researchers are collaborating to improve data, enhance decision-making, and accelerate breeding. The merits of modern techniques like genomic selection and gene editing are discussed, yet traditional breeding remains critical. Successful varieties must balance yield, quality, and disease resistance while considering market acceptance and long-term sustainability to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.
The Rotten Potato Data Project, initiated by Cellar Insights in July 2026, aims to enhance potato storage management by analyzing historical failures to predict potential spoilage before it becomes visible. By harnessing machine learning, the project seeks to identify complex patterns in environmental data, allowing operators to address issues promptly. This innovative approach not only values human expertise but also emphasizes the importance of data ownership and trust within the agricultural community.
In a fast-paced world, the potato symbolizes patience, resilience, and the often unseen labor that sustains life. It represents a promise of nourishment that transcends socio-economic boundaries, reminding us that true value lies in ordinary, dependable food. The potato’s story emphasizes the importance of care, tradition, and generational wisdom in agriculture, advocating for investment and gratitude towards those who contribute to vital food systems amidst modern challenges.
Potato growers face significant challenges due to climate change, including increased heat, drought, and heavy rainfall, which can adversely affect crop yields. To adapt, they must prioritize effective water management, soil health, and practical strategies specific to their regions. The industry also requires new potato varieties resilient to these stresses. Collaboration among growers, researchers, and industry stakeholders is essential for building a sustainable future in potato cultivation.
