No-nonsense, no-frills potato news stories from around the world
A viral image shared widely online does indeed appear to show a purple potato grown aboard the International Space Station by NASA astronaut Don Pettit. The strongest confirmation comes from Pettit’s own remarks, reported by Fox Weather, indicating the potato was part of his off-duty “space garden” during Expedition 72. The story is real, but current evidence suggests it was a personal orbit-growing effort rather than a formal NASA flagship potato experiment.
The Evolution Separator by Scotts Precision Manufacturing features spiral rollers essential for effectively separating soil, stones, clods, and haulm from crops. The rollers operate with varying aggressiveness levels tailored to different soil conditions and crop types. Their design includes self-cleaning properties and customizable combinations for efficiency. Options include various rib configurations, shaft sizes, and colors, ensuring optimal performance and reliability in diverse agricultural settings.
Elea Technology GmbH has launched a new video interview featuring Tomislav Lukačević, Investment Director at Kanaan d.o.o., highlighting their partnership and the advantages of Elea Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) technology in potato chip production. Since 2018, Kanaan has benefited from improved quality and performance through PEF, which enhances processing by creating electroporation in raw potatoes, leading to better cuts and reduced equipment wear.
The Global Potato Industry Dictionary is now available in softcover / ebook as a new specialist reference for the global potato sector. Compiled by Potato News Today editor Lukie Pieterse, the 696-page volume offers plain-language guidance across production, storage, processing, trade, sustainability, technology, seed, breeding, and more. Designed for professionals, students, and industry stakeholders, the book aims to strengthen practical understanding across the international potato value chain.
Disruption linked to the current war in the Middle East is beginning to affect potato farming worldwide through higher fertilizer prices, tighter supply, and rising energy and freight costs. Because potatoes are sensitive to nutrient timing and often rely on long-term storage, the sector is especially exposed. The greatest immediate concern is fertilizer movement through the Strait of Hormuz, but longer-term risks include higher storage costs, delayed inputs, and tighter planting margins.
Join Urschel at ProPak Vietnam from March 31 to April 2, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center, showcasing the Sprint 2 Dicer with Conveyor and the MicroAdjustable SL-14 Cutting Head. These innovative machines enhance food processing efficiency and precision. Discover the benefits of these cutting solutions for high-capacity operations and reduced waste at the Urschel booth. Learn more at Urschel.com.
Elea Technology GmbH introduces the PEF Advantage C 2000-600, a high-throughput system designed for industrial processing of large crops like sugar beet and potatoes. With a 600 × 600 mm treatment channel, it offers up to 150 t/h capacity, ensuring efficient and reliable PEF treatment. Its stainless-steel design allows adaptation for indoor and outdoor use, while a robust generator and advanced control platform enhance performance and operational safety.
FPS Food Process Solutions (FPS) has partnered with Quality Engineered Solutions (QES) to enhance its portfolio by focusing on utilities-driven services. QES, with over 25 years of experience in ventilation for food and beverage processing and manufacturing, will improve FPS’s integrated global offerings. Rick Allen joins FPS as Director of Global Utilities to bolster utilities processes and engineering as the company responds to rising global demand.
As spring approaches, it’s essential to review and service Scotts machinery to prevent downtime and ensure readiness for the upcoming busy season. During this transitional period, common wear on parts can be addressed through visual and operational checks. Planning for early maintenance, including inspections and part replacements, maximizes equipment efficiency. By taking proactive measures now, farms can protect uptime and extend the life of their machinery for a productive season ahead.
Lockwood Manufacturing celebrates its 25-year partnership with Struik, a leading Dutch manufacturer of rotary cultivators. By directly importing from Struik, Lockwood aims to cut freight costs and enhance savings for customers. Struik is renowned for its precision engineering and performance in cultivation equipment, aligning with Lockwood’s mission of providing reliable, high-performance solutions. Both companies are committed to advancing agricultural technology and supporting growers with quality equipment for future growth.
Dutch hybrid potato breeder Solynta has secured major growth funding, with a majority stake acquisition by EW Group. This partnership aims to double global potato yields while reducing land use and crop protection needs. The funding will enhance Solynta’s hybrid potato breeding platform and accelerate technology adoption. Both companies emphasize the importance of innovation to address agricultural challenges and improve global food security.
A pioneering low carbon concept farm in Lincolnshire has grown its first crop of sustainable Georgina potatoes, set to hit Tesco stores this week, in collaboration with Branston. Utilizing innovative techniques like circular economy fertilisers and HVO fuel, the farm achieves over 50% lower carbon emissions while maintaining quality. The initiative aims to advance net-zero farming practices and will explore further innovations for future crops to enhance sustainability.
Agriculture is evolving with advanced technology, particularly in the potato industry, where precision is crucial due to crop sensitivity. AI-driven robotics enhance harvesting by adapting to real-time conditions, thereby reducing bruising. IoT sensors optimize soil health and resource usage, informing targeted irrigation and fertilization. These innovations lead to reduced waste and improved sustainability performance.
Research from the University of Idaho suggests that current models overestimate water consumption in Idaho potato fields during peak irrigation by up to 40%. Assistant professor Meetpal Kukal highlighted that existing crop coefficients, based on outdated methodologies, fail to account for variability in potato varieties and soil types. He proposes refining these estimates using advanced eddy covariance technology for more accurate water management and irrigation scheduling, benefiting both farmers and water managers.
Scotts Precision Manufacturing is set to complete a new 600sqm logistics and assembly facility by summer 2026, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable growth. This facility will enhance parts reception, improve material flow, and allow for efficient final assembly, supporting the company’s expanded product range beyond pre-cleaning equipment into new markets. Managing Director Derek Scott emphasizes that this investment will significantly enhance operational efficiency and capacity for future growth.
Andrew Francis, managing director of Home Farm Nacton, emphasizes the importance of a collaborative approach in developing new potato varieties. Involvement from growers early in the process helps identify potential issues and maximizes outcomes. Francis collaborates with multiple packers and retailers, including Manor Fresh for enhancing Maris Piper. He also advocates for workshops among growers to share knowledge. Chairing the LEAF Marque Technical Advisory Committee, he underscores collaboration in improving environmental standards alongside farm economics.
Precision placement of granules in potato treatments is crucial for protecting crops and maintaining health, especially amid challenging spring conditions. With soil pests and nutrient challenges, accurate nematicide application is essential. Techneat Engineering highlights their advanced applicators, ensuring effective placement and compliance. Their equipment, designed for precision agriculture, meets the growing demands for efficiency, offering multi-use capabilities across various farming applications, while supporting sustainability and cost-effectiveness in nutrient management.
January and February can feel steady in potato storage, but this “quiet shift” is when small changes often start – a warm corner, creeping CO₂, widening temperature spread, or RH instability that quietly sets up late-season trouble. This NAPSO issue offers a practical data-to-decisions playbook: prioritize trendlines over snapshots, spread over averages, and context over theory. It outlines key signals, sensor placement basics, and simple daily/weekly routines that reduce shrink, catch stress early, and prevent costly surprises.
Branston potato supplier announces the retirement of Jonathan Taylor, general manager of its South West site, in March 2026, after nearly ten years of overseeing significant transformation. He will be succeeded by Simon Jones, previously operations manager, who has been with the company since 2012. Taylor reflects on a successful tenure marked by doubled turnover and a £9 million investment. He leaves confident in Jones’ ability to continue this growth.
Elea Technology, a leader in Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) processing, praises a recent U.S. Court of Appeals ruling which clarifies patent issues, enhancing confidence among processors. The decision affirms the invalidity of certain patent claims, enabling a focus on PEF technology’s benefits, such as improved efficiency and sustainability. Elea’s advancements, including the PiCon AI optimization platform and applications in fruit oil extraction, demonstrate its commitment to innovation and global support for PEF users.
In late winter, potato handling operations face increased bruising risk due to colder tubers and tighter timelines. This article outlines practical strategies to reduce damage from handling by identifying critical impact points and making operational improvements without major investments. Key recommendations include lowering drop heights, matching belt speeds, and conducting pre-run audits to prevent cumulative impacts. By treating handling lines as part of storage quality management, operations can enhance pack-out quality and minimize claims.
FPS Food Process Solutions has announced the addition of Southern Fabrication Works (SFW), a respected provider of custom industrial food processing equipment, particularly in the potato processing sector. This partnership enhances FPS’s capabilities with advanced technologies and comprehensive engineering solutions, allowing for improved end-to-end processing for customers globally. Both companies express enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasizing shared values and a commitment to high-quality solutions.
At Fruit Logistica 2026, FAM STUMABO addressed critical challenges faced by fruit and vegetable processors, such as labor scarcity and rising quality demands. The company’s consultative approach emphasizes automation and integrated cutting solutions to enhance operations. With a focus on validated outcomes, processors seek reliable partners for effective investments. FAM STUMABO aims to deliver consistent quality and performance through tailored technologies and local testing facilities, ensuring effective results for clients.
Late-winter shipping is where months of careful storage can be lost in minutes. This Storage Season Essentials installment outlines a practical handling playbook – choose stable pile zones, check pulp temperature, temper without triggering condensation, slow conveyors, reduce drop heights, and log decisions. It explains why cold, drier tubers bruise more easily and how winter pacing prevents blackspot, shatter bruising, skinning, and often costly claims before trucks leave the yard.
Quebec potato growers approach new technologies based on economic and structural factors rather than philosophy. Key influences include clear ROI, alignment with operational constraints, and local proof. Common barriers to adoption arise from complexity, upfront costs, and potential unintended consequences. Successful technologies emphasize simplicity, support, and measurable results. While sustainability engagement is rising, skepticism persists when policies are misaligned with agronomic realities. Collaborative research partnerships foster better adoption by respecting farmers’ operational constraints.
