Storage

AI in the potato cellar: Predicting pressure bruise, sugar ends, sprout breaks and more before they happen

Sensors and machine learning are enhancing potato storage management by enabling predictive control to prevent quality loss, reducing energy expenses and downgrades. Key focus areas include monitoring environmental factors, improving actionable alerts, and integrating historical farming data. Successful implementations show significant energy savings and reduced shrinkage, though legacy storage limitations and sensor calibration issues pose challenges. Overall, predictive techniques promise more effective storage practices for maintaining potato quality.

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The vanishing dormancy: Genetic breakthroughs to extend potato storage without chemicals

Researchers from Cranfield University, PepsiCo, and Solynta are working on extending potato dormancy without chemicals like CIPC, writes Lukie Pieterse in this article. Their project focuses on understanding the genetic and physiological aspects of dormancy to improve storage efficiency, aiming to reduce energy use and waste. The collaboration seeks to identify traits that enhance dormancy, with implications for reduced sprout losses and overall cost savings in potato storage. Results and advancements are expected by 2026.

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Ag-tech company Cellar Insights closes oversubscribed seed round to scale AI-driven potato storage monitoring

Calgary’s Cellar Insights closed an oversubscribed seed round co-led by Tall Grass Ventures and Accelerate Fund IV, with Carrot Ventures, UCeed, and University of Alberta Innovation Fund. The company pairs sensors with AI to detect trace gases from decomposing potatoes, providing growers early warnings to cut losses. It has so far analyzed 1.5 million data sets across 150 million pounds. Funding will enhance predictive models and drive North American expansion, including Manitoba.

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The ‘Storictionary’: A potato storage lexicon – from airflow anatomy to ‘sproutlogic’ and beyond

The article by Lukie Pieterse emphasizes the importance of efficient potato storage management amid changing environmental and regulatory conditions. It introduces a “Storictionary,” a tool that compiles key terms and definitions to improve communication and operational clarity among storage teams. By simplifying complex concepts into actionable language, the initiative aims to enhance safety, streamline processes, and bolster compliance across the industry. Ultimately, the author expresses gratitude to the personnel responsible for maintaining potato quality throughout the season.

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NAPSO Storage Symposium energizes PAA 2025 with strong attendance and grower engagement

The Potato Storage Symposium, organized by the North America Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) during the annual Potato Association of America (PAA) Annual Meeting, was hailed as a success by attendees, including growers, researchers, and industry leaders. Participants appreciated the interactive format and valuable discussions that addressed practical storage challenges. Positive feedback emphasized the symposium’s role in fostering collaboration and innovation in potato storage practices, setting a precedent for future events.

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From potatoes to padel: How a British farmer turned a potato storage facility into a winning racket sport business

A farmer in North Yorkshire, Callum Stark, has repurposed his empty potato storage warehouse into a padel court due to declining potato prices. Despite continuing his farming, the courts are fully booked, as padel, a sport blending tennis and squash, gains popularity. Stark emphasizes the potential for farmers to diversify their income and utilize their spaces creatively, noting the growing trend of indoor padel facilities in the UK.

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Cellar Insights: Helping growers stop storage losses before they start

Cellar Insights, a Canadian agtech company, is addressing post-harvest loss in potatoes through advanced predictive analytics and crop-centered monitoring technology. By detecting rot gas emissions before spoilage is visible, their system helps growers extend storage seasons and optimize crop value. Tailored for various operation sizes, this solution promotes sustainability by minimizing waste and reducing chemical use, proving essential for the future of agricultural storage management.

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A Day to Remember: Putting potato storage in the spotlight – NAPSO and PAA co-host landmark Symposium

The North America Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) co-hosted a successful Potato Storage Symposium with the Potato Association of America (PAA) in Madison, showcasing global expertise in storage innovations. The event featured expert presentations on sprout suppression and disease risks, along with an engaging panel discussion. Positive attendee feedback highlighted the need for more focus on storage economics, signaling NAPSO’s intention to expand its influence and initiatives beyond potatoes.

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Storing potatoes safe and profitable: NAPSO calls on growers to join upcoming Storage Symposium

The inaugural NAPSO Storage Symposium on July 28, 2025, in Madison, Wisconsin, aims to address critical post-harvest potato storage challenges affecting North America. Hosted by NAPSO and PAA, the event will facilitate discussions among growers, storage managers, and industry experts on rising costs, climate volatility, and evolving regulations. Attendees will engage in technical discussions, keynote addresses, and strategic dialogue.

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NAPSO gains traction online and in the field: NAPSO+ to highlight cross-crop storage collaboration

The North America Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) is witnessing increased online and in-field engagement as it prepares for its Potato Storage Symposium on July 28. The organization launched NAPSO+ to address storage needs beyond potatoes, indicating an expansion rather than a rebranding. The upcoming webinar series will cover essential topics for the potato storage community, reinforcing NAPSO’s role as a key resource for safety and technical guidance in the agricultural sector.

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Sustainable potato storage innovation: DormFresh unveils state-of-the-art Trial and Research center in Rosche, Germany

DormFresh Ltd., in collaboration with TASC International GmbH, has launched a new Trial and Research Center in Rosche, Germany, focusing on sustainable potato storage following the EU’s CIPC ban. This EUR 600,000 facility features advanced storage technology and aims to enhance trials for new sprout inhibitors while improving quality assurance standards in the industry. Initial trials are in progress for EU product approval.

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Three decades of partnership: PACE Mechanical and JT Hopkins & Sons celebrate 30 years of innovation in potato packing

PACE Mechanical Handling and JT Hopkins & Sons are celebrating 30 years of collaboration with the installation of a new state-of-the-art potato packing line at Carsaig Farm, North Lincolnshire. The family-owned farm can now pack up to 360, 25kg sacks per hour, thanks to PACE’s latest weigher, stitcher, and sack placer. This long-standing partnership highlights PACE’s commitment to building lasting relationships and delivering high-performance automated solutions to the potato industry.

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Potato storage at the crossroads: PAA and NAPSO to host landmark Storage Symposium in Wisconsin

The North American Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) will co-host a Technical Storage Symposium during the Potato Association of America (PAA) Annual Meeting on July 28, 2025, in Madison, Wisconsin. The event aims to address post-harvest challenges, focusing on innovations in storage chemistry, facility engineering, and regulatory standards. It serves as a crucial platform for knowledge exchange among experts, enhancing sustainable practices in the potato industry.

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NAPSO webinar tackles final-stage potato storage challenges with expert precision

The North American Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) hosted a webinar titled “The Final Countdown: Smart Storage Strategies for Late Season Potatoes,” offering valuable insights for growers facing critical storage challenges. Presentations by Eric Evans and Dr. Sastry Jayanty emphasized key practices for quality preservation, including environmental control, sprout management, and minimizing damage. Upcoming NAPSO events promise further expert discussions on potato storage innovations and techniques.

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‘The Future of Potato Storage’ – Advances in ventilation, energy efficiency, and storage automation

Potato storage is transforming from a passive to a strategic process influenced by data, analytics, and advanced technologies, writes Lukie Pieterse in this article. Key innovations include adaptive ventilation systems, energy efficiency measures, automation, and AI monitoring tools, which enhance storage quality, reduce shrinkage, and promote sustainability. While human oversight remains vital for interpreting contextual cues, technology is reshaping practices, allowing for proactive decision-making in post-harvest handling amid increasingly complex conditions.

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NAPSO celebrates one year of advancing potato storage: A year of webinars, panels, and industry impact

The North America Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) celebrated its first anniversary, marking significant contributions to the potato storage sector. Founded in April 2024, NAPSO supports farmers and professionals through education and resources. Achievements include successful webinars, expert panels at trade shows, and safety resources. Looking ahead, NAPSO plans more webinars and aims to enhance storage practices, promoting sustainability in the industry.

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UK potato industry urged to submit CIPC data to safeguard temporary residue limits

In 2024, the CIPC Residues Monitoring Group reported 102 residue data results from treated potato storage samples. This data supports the temporary maximum residue level (tMRL) for CIPC, essential to prevent exceedances in detection limits. The industry is urged to submit at least one multi-residue test result from CIPC-treated stores by May 31 to maintain the tMRL’s appropriateness and support potato storage integrity through data collection.

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Toward climate-smart storage: NAPSO explores implications of landmark U.S. cooling legislation for the potato industry

The North America Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) hosted John W.S. Dunmore to discuss the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, designed to reduce hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 85% by 2036. The AIM Act impacts refrigeration for the potato industry, necessitating strategic adaptations. As the sector prepares for regulatory changes, industry collaboration and proactive engagement are essential to navigate this transition toward sustainable cooling technologies.

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‘Navigating the First 45 Days’: Key strategies and essential practices for successful potato storage management, by Dr. Addie Waxman

On November 5, 2024, Dr. Addie Waxman highlighted critical potato storage practices during a NAPSO webinar. Emphasizing the first 45 days’ importance, she outlined effective strategies for quality preservation, temperature and humidity management, and proper crop placement. Dr. Waxman stressed adapting storage plans based on external factors, such as weather and crop conditions, ensuring that both growers and processors maximize profitability and maintain potato quality throughout storage.

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DormFresh confirms 4-year shelf life for 1,4SIGHT in Great Britain and Northern Ireland

DormFresh Ltd. has confirmed that its 1,4SIGHT potato dormancy enhancer now has a shelf life of at least four years, enhancing reliability for long-term storage in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This extension, validated by Good Laboratory Practice testing, underscores the product’s efficacy and stability. Benefits include improved inventory flexibility, reduced waste, and consistent sprout control, solidifying 1,4SIGHT’s reputation in the industry.

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Optimizing potato storage practises: Key insights await at Potato Storage Day 2025

Potato Storage Day 2025, set for May 21 at Fleet Lodge Farm, Holbeach in the UK, aims to enhance potato storage practices. Organized by Adrian Cunnington and Simon Faulkner, this free half-day event will feature key topics like ventilation, humidity control, sprout prevention, and advances in storage technology. Attendees can also network and learn from industry experts. Registration in advance is encouraged for planning purposes.

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Scotts Precision Manufacturing partners with Agropack Solutions to strengthen presence in Scotland

Scotts Precision Manufacturing has partnered with Agropack Solutions to enhance its presence in Scotland, designating Agropack as the official dealer for its Evolution Separator cleaning system. This partnership aims to improve agricultural technology access in the region. The Evolution Separator will be showcased at the Agropack Open Day, showcasing its efficiency in cleaning crops while Agropack will provide ongoing support and services to Scottish farmers.

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Ensuring seed potato quality: Best practices for shipping, handling, and preparation

Dr. Kasia Duellman from the University of Idaho emphasized the criticality of managing seed potatoes from storage to planting for optimal yield and quality during a recent NAPSO Webinar. Key practices include regulating temperature and humidity, proper handling during shipping, and ensuring effective wound healing post-receipt. Understanding physiological age is vital for determining planting strategies and protecting crops from disease while maximizing performance. Proactive management is crucial for profitability.

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Best practices for receiving, handling, and storing seed potatoes: Insights from NAPSO webinar with James Alford

The North American Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) offers essential guidance for optimizing seed potato storage through its recent webinar. James Alford, owner of Alford Custom Ag/Premier Seed LLC, highlighted best practices in receiving, handling, and storing seed potatoes. Key focus areas included careful inspections, managing bruising, maintaining humidity, ensuring proper airflow, and implementing disinfection protocols to combat diseases.

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Editor & Publisher: Lukie Pieterse


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