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…]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 production faces significant soil loss due to runoff, wind, and harvesting, which impacts fertility and future yields. A 2025 incident in Somerset highlighted this issue when a grower faced over £40,000 in costs due to soil erosion. Effective soil management strategies include understanding field conditions and using cover crops, but growers often underestimate these losses, which diminish soil quality and agricultural sustainability. Soil retention must be prioritized alongside crop production.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) predicts nearly 100% probability that the current El Niño event will persist into early 2027, raising concerns for potato production in India amid a deepening monsoon deficit. While the impact of El Niño varies regionally, farmers may face increased irrigation needs and potential crop stress due to below-normal rainfall and above-average temperatures, heightening production risks without confirming loss projections.
Physiological age significantly affects seed tuber performance, but current measurement methods for growers are inadequate. Although seed tubers may appear similar, their internal developmental conditions can lead to varying crop outcomes. A 2026 scientific review highlights the lack of fast, reliable tests and suggests that physiological readiness should complement traditional seed quality assessments. The industry must better understand and manage the biological condition of seed for optimal growth.
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.
The 2026-27 El Niño is rapidly intensifying, posing diverse threats to global potato production. Regions like India and Peru face risks from drought and flooding, while Europe experiences severe crop damage from heat and dryness, with uncertain attribution to El Niño. Each region’s unique climatic conditions necessitate careful monitoring of weather patterns and risk management strategies to mitigate agricultural stress and potential market disruptions.
Potato growers are supportive of new USDA regulations designed to combat potato wart from Prince Edward Island. National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles highlighted the absence of the disease in the U.S. and the potential risks it poses. He also touched on anti-dumping orders affecting U.S. potatoes in British Columbia and the resulting trade tensions with Canada, potentially increasing costs for growers. Quarles expressed hope for Congress to pass the Farm Bill by year-end.
GB Potatoes, established four years ago following the dissolution of AHDB Potatoes, serves as an essential representative for potato growers in the UK, according to Emma Gillbard in Farmers Weekly. Chief executive Scott Walker highlights the organization’s critical role in filling the void left in industry advocacy. With robust support from the supply chain, GB Potatoes aims to expand its membership to enhance its influence and effectiveness.
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.
