NextGen Potatoes

Beyond tonnes per hectare: Why marketable yield per drop is becoming potato’s next benchmark

Potato businesses are increasingly recognizing water as a critical factor beyond just an agronomic input, impacting costs, quality, and market access. It’s essential to measure water productivity alongside yield to ensure that each unit of water maximizes marketable value. Effective irrigation practices must consider timing, soil conditions, and crop needs. A collaborative approach involving growers and buyers can improve water utilization, optimize quality, and enhance profitability, particularly amid growing water scarcity concerns.

August 17, 2026

The workforce is changing: How automation is reshaping the potato industry – and the people who keep it running

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.

August 16, 2026

The seed multiplication gap: Why better potato genetics still struggle to reach the grower

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.

August 16, 2026

The pathogen is changing: Why potato disease surveillance must become a core production tool

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.

August 14, 2026

‘Nothing left behind’: How potato processors are turning waste, water and lost yield into new value

The competitive edge in potato processing is shifting from maximizing throughput to optimizing value extraction from raw materials. As production costs rise and resources become scarcer, processors must focus on refining their processes to minimize waste, improve yield, and adapt to variable raw material quality. Innovations like AI and hyperspectral imaging enhance product quality assessment, facilitating precise adjustments that boost profitability and sustainability. Furthermore, by-product valorization is evolving, encouraging the recovery of multiple components for diverse applications, ultimately transforming the potato processing landscape.

August 13, 2026

Fifteen years is too long: Why the potato industry is rebuilding the road from genetic discovery to the grower’s field

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.

August 12, 2026

The potato store is learning to speak: How data and AI could reveal crop losses before they become visible

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.

August 12, 2026

‘The Potato as a Lantern’: How potatoes carry hope through the dark

This article by Lukie Pieterse reflects on the vital yet often overlooked role of potato storage in food security. It emphasizes that after harvest, potatoes enter a phase of preservation, likened to a lantern that carries the legacy of the field into winter, requiring careful management to maintain their value. The piece also honors the diligent workers who protect this food source, recognizing that unseen efforts are crucial for nourishing future generations.

July 15, 2026

‘The Bridge Beneath the Soil’: Why the potato still holds the world together

The potato serves as a critical bridge in society, connecting the soil to the table and embodying the journey from growth to nourishment. It reflects deep human endeavors and addresses issues of hunger, dignity, and sustainability. Recognized as a vital food source, it supports livelihoods and connects traditional wisdom with modern science. As a humble yet powerful crop, it highlights the complexities of agriculture and the importance of responsibility in food systems.

July 9, 2026

Longer potato rotations boost yields and disease resistance

A recent report from GB Potatoes highlights the advantages British growers experience from extended potato-based rotations, which lead to improved economic performance and lower disease pressure. According to the report, these rotations can yield nearly 40 percent more food compared to cereal-based systems. Longer rotations, now prevalent in the UK, enhance disease resistance and sustainability, aiding farmers in producing nutritious food efficiently.

July 8, 2026

‘The Potato as a Promise’ – Why this humble crop reminds us that the future still depends on care

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.

June 30, 2026

Climate is now a potato market force – not just a farming problem

The global potato industry is facing increasing climate challenges that require resilience to be a core business strategy. Extreme weather events significantly impact crop planning, yield stability, and marketability. As potatoes are sensitive to environmental stress, the industry must adapt through improved monitoring, better varieties, and integrated practices while also addressing the costs involved in climate adaptation. A new definition of productivity that goes beyond yield is essential for future success.

June 29, 2026

Global potato outlook: Second half of 2026 likely to test supply discipline, climate resilience, and processing demand

At mid-year, the global potato industry faces a cautious second-half outlook. Europe is trying to reset after oversupply, North America is watching processor demand and new-crop signals, and emerging frozen fry exporters such as China, India, and Egypt are changing trade dynamics. Weather stress, fertilizer costs, storage risk, and quality will likely determine whether 2026 ends in better balance or renewed pressure.

June 28, 2026

Growing potatoes in a hotter world: Climate resilience moves from theory to farm reality

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.

June 24, 2026

Storage under stress: How climate change is rewriting the rules for potato dormancy and disease risk

Potato storage is facing increasing challenges due to climate change, which affects crop conditions prior to storage. Factors like heat stress and drought alter tuber physiology, impacting dormancy and disease risk. Effective storage now requires thorough understanding and management of the crop’s field experience. As the storage becomes a critical climate-risk management system, improved monitoring, risk sorting, and enhanced infrastructure are essential for safeguarding potato quality and minimizing losses.

June 24, 2026

Processing quality starts in the field: Why processors can no longer fix weak raw material

Potato processing is crucially linked to the quality of raw materials cultivated in the field, emphasizing the need for collaboration among growers, processors, and storage facilities. As various challenges like climate instability and increasing quality demands arise, strong communication and data sharing become essential. The future will require a holistic approach to improve crop quality, streamline processes, and enhance sustainability, ultimately ensuring a successful, integrated potato processing system.

June 23, 2026

Hydrogen-based crop chemistry: A new input-efficiency tool for potato growers?

Aqueus, a Michigan-based company, introduces hydrogen-based crop chemistry to address challenges faced by potato growers, like rising costs and environmental concerns. Their main product, Growthful, aims to enhance soil conditions and crop performance without replacing existing practices. While initial field trials show promising results, independent validation is essential. Aqueus seeks partnerships with growers and agronomists for further testing to establish transparency and trust in their claims regarding efficiency and sustainability.

June 22, 2026

Western potato varieties in Egypt: Can Russet, Innovator, Santana and similar varieties succeed?

Egypt can successfully grow Western potato varieties, but their success hinges on local climate suitability, irrigation, seed quality, and market needs. Some varieties, like Santana and Innovator, have demonstrated potential in the country’s processing sector. However, caution is advised with varieties like Russet Burbank due to their specific agronomic demands. Ultimately, disciplined trials and understanding local conditions are essential for commercial viability.

June 22, 2026

Potato cultivation at a crossroads: The future crop will be grown with more precision, more resilience and a deeper respect for soil

Potato cultivation is a challenging endeavor, sensitive to climate variations and agricultural practices. As climate instability, water scarcity, and disease pressures rise, growers must adopt smarter, more resilient systems. Effective water management, soil health, and integrated pest strategies are crucial. While advancements in technology and variety development are important, they must be paired with comprehensive management approaches to ensure the potato remains a vital global food source amid increasing demands.

June 22, 2026

FAO Treaty Secretary highlights potato genetic resources as shared global heritage

On International Potato Day 2026, Kent Nnadozie emphasized the potato’s role as a vital food source and genetic resource, essential for global food security. Celebrating its cultural significance and agricultural contributions, he urged for continued investment in conservation and research. Highlighting successful collaborative projects that benefit farmers, the call to action advocates for renewed cooperation in preserving potato diversity to ensure future resilience and adaptability in changing environments.

June 22, 2026

The potato store is becoming a strategic asset — and the industry can no longer afford to treat it as a dark box

Modern potato storage has evolved from a passive holding phase to a critical management system that significantly impacts the entire potato value chain. It safeguards grower income and market quality while addressing challenges like climate change and resource costs. The post-CIPC era necessitates advanced management approaches, integrating technology with human expertise. Efficient storage is crucial for food security and deserves heightened focus in industry practices and policies.

June 22, 2026

Potato processing enters a new era: Why the next battle will be won before the crop reaches the factory

The global potato processing sector is evolving beyond traditional products like French fries to encompass quality management, sustainability, and technological integration. With growing demand, processors face challenges such as volatile costs and environmental pressures. Future success hinges on strong relationships with growers, data-driven automation, and efficient resource use. The industry must adapt to shifting market dynamics, prioritizing comprehensive processing strategies for enhanced profitability and sustainability.

June 19, 2026

Beyond yield: Reframing the potato as a solar-biomass crop for a new value economy

The potato industry faces increasing pressures from climate change, market expectations, and resource management, prompting a shift in success measurement from yield alone to capturing usable value per hectare. Viewing potatoes as a solar-biomass crop emphasizes the need for better management in genetics, agronomy, water use, soil health, storage, processing, and market alignment. Embracing this holistic approach can enhance profitability and sustainability while addressing evolving consumer and processor demands.

June 3, 2026

MSU researchers develop 5 new potato varieties to bolster US chip supply

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed five new potato varieties aimed at enhancing the U.S. potato chip supply by increasing disease resistance, long-term storage, and processing reliability. Named Manistee, Mackinaw, Petoskey, Huron Chipper, and Blackberry, these varieties improve quality maintenance over months of storage. They are essential for Michigan, the leading potato producer for chip processing, where about 70% of the crop is used for chips, ensuring consistent supply year-round.

June 2, 2026

International Day of Potato: Why the world’s most humble crop deserves global recognition

On 30 May, the world marks International Day of Potato – a United Nations-recognised observance highlighting the crop’s vital contribution to food security, nutrition, livelihoods and sustainable agriculture. With the 2026 theme, “Where potatoes grow, livelihoods flourish,” FAO is placing renewed emphasis on farmers, value chains, climate resilience and the potato’s future role in feeding a changing world.

May 30, 2026