No-nonsense, no-frills potato news stories from around the world
FAO’s FAOSTAT year-end update (dated December 31, 2025) adds fresh 2024 potato totals that show steady global growth. World production rose to 390.4 million tonnes (+0.95%) as harvested area edged up to 17.08 million hectares (+0.49%), lifting average yield slightly. Asia remained dominant with 52.6% of output. Europe increased production despite a small area decline, while Africa’s output dipped marginally as area expanded.
A provisionally accepted Frontiers in Plant Science paper introduces PotatoGuardNet, an AI framework for potato leaf disease detection that both pinpoints suspect areas on leaves and classifies disease type. Using PlantVillage potato images, the authors report 99.41% accuracy and an mAP of 0.9556, plus heatmaps to explain model decisions. The research highlights the promise of faster, more consistent scouting support, while underscoring the need for real-world field validation.
Recent testing by the University of Idaho Extension shows that 75% of Idaho potato fields are infected with the pathogen Spongospora, which causes powdery scab, impacting U.S. potato marketability, especially in exports to Mexico. A new two-year project funded by a $130,000 Specialty Crop Block Grant aims to develop management strategies against these diseases. Researchers will evaluate various control measures, including irrigation management and fungicides, to mitigate the spread and effects of powdery scab and PMTV.
In 2025, Canadian potato production declined by 0.9% to 125.8 million hundredweight due to drought in Eastern Canada, particularly affecting Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. Alberta remained the largest producer, with a 6.9% increase in seeded area, marking the highest level since 2007. Despite favorable harvest conditions, average yields fell to 321.2 hundredweight per acre nationally, influenced by Eastern drought impacts.
In 2021, Dr. Andrew McKenzie-Gopsill at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) repurposed an old potato vine crusher to combat weeds through harvest weed seed control, preventing seeds from growing. Initial lab tests in 2022 showed a 60-95% reduction in weed seed germination, and subsequent field tests in 2023 confirmed these findings, with volunteer canola germination reduced by 26%. This effective tool offers farmers a solution as weed resistance to herbicides increases.
Scientists from The James Hutton Institute, in collaboration with the University of York and Université Libre de Bruxelles, have identified how the destructive pathogen Phytophthora infestans evades plant defenses. By using AA7 oxidases, the pathogen disables plants’ early warning systems. This discovery offers promising avenues for enhanced crop protection, crucial for addressing global food security challenges, particularly as climate change exacerbates vulnerabilities in agriculture.
Scientists at The James Hutton Institute, alongside Grampian Growers and Aberdeen University, are developing the Phytoscosmo project to convert potato shaws into valuable ingredients for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors. Approximately 51,200 tonnes of these plant byproducts are produced annually, presenting significant revenue opportunities. The initiative promotes sustainable, tobacco-free sourcing of solanesol, ultimately supporting the Scottish economy and enhancing agricultural resilience.
A new IndexBox report forecasts modest growth in Europe’s potato volumes but stronger gains in market value through 2035. Consumption and production remain concentrated in a handful of key countries, while harvested area continues to shrink, offset by higher yields. Intra-European trade is expanding, led by Belgium, the Netherlands and France, and rising import and export prices are expected to drive most of the market’s future value growth.
French fry exports from EU-27 countries fell 5% in September 2025, totaling 148,500 tonnes, attributing significant drops to the UK and Asian markets. Conversely, African exports increased by 30%. Price pressure intensified; the average cost declined to €1,115 per tonne, a 10% drop. Notably, France saw a 12% export increase due to higher production capacity, while Belgium’s figures fell 5.8% over the year.
IndexBox’s latest report shows the European Union frozen potato market continuing to grow steadily through 2035, with modest volume gains but stronger value growth driven by higher prices. Germany, France and the Netherlands lead consumption, while Belgium and the Netherlands dominate production and exports. Romania emerges as the fastest-growing market. Trade volumes remain high and both import and export prices hit record levels in 2024, with further increases expected.
A new review in the journal Foods by a team of Chinese scientists maps the global potato-processing industry through a Chinese lens. It contrasts high-processing regions in Europe and North America with China’s fast-growing but still underdeveloped sector. The authors detail product streams, technology gaps, sustainability pressures and policy drivers, arguing that automation, branding and greener processing will decide who captures future value in fries, chips, flakes and starch.
Mordor Intelligence’s new Potato Market Size & Share Analysis – Growth Trends and Forecast (2025 – 2030) values the global potato commodity market at USD 120 billion in 2025, rising to about USD 145 billion by 2030. The study highlights steady, processing-led growth, with Asia-Pacific as the largest market and Africa the fastest-growing. Contract farming, climate-smart breeding, improved storage and emerging industrial uses for potato by-products all shape the market’s trajectory.
The UK potato market, as reported by Craig Elliott at Expana, is focusing on quality amid significant availability for the 2025/26 season. Prices have declined but recently rose 3.5% for Maris Piper potatoes due to bruising issues. Oversupply and quality scrutiny are leading to market volatility, with growers facing challenges from early sprouting potatoes. Price dynamics may shift as quality concerns evolve.
Efforts are underway to increase women’s roles in potato breeding, transforming the field with diverse perspectives. Traditionally dominated by men, women’s contributions are now recognized, as they possess valuable insights regarding traits that matter to household cooking and nutrition. Initiatives like the Women in Potato Breeding platform aim to uplift female breeders, enhancing gender-responsive breeding practices. This shift not only benefits equality but also ensures breeding aligns better with the needs of farmers and consumers.
Project Oppotunity, involving 12 European organizations, has successfully conducted its initial field trials for starch potatoes edited with CRISPR-Cas technology to enhance resistance to late blight. Conducted in Sweden and Denmark, these trials demonstrated the potential of new genetic technologies for improving potato varieties. Larger trials planned for 2026 aim to evaluate resistance and performance, highlighting the urgency of developing sustainable solutions for European starch potato production amidst evolving environmental challenges.
This report by Jurre de Haan, Frozen Potato Market Analyst at A-INSIGHTS, predicts global frozen processed potato consumption growth of 2.3% in 2025 and 3.0% annually through 2030. High prices have dampened demand, but trade volumes are bouncing back. Emerging markets will drive growth, though capacity delays and rising self-sufficiency may challenge imports and reshape market dynamics. Ongoing consumption analysis is vital for strategic business opportunities.
A recent review in the journal Food analyzes the global potato-processing industry, highlighting efficiency gains and structural vulnerabilities. China leads in processing capacity, while Europe and North America excel in high-value products. Supply-chain weaknesses, particularly raw-potato reliability, hinder efficiency, and resource-intensive processes raise environmental concerns. Innovations could enhance sustainability, but market pressures demand cleaner products. The authors emphasize the need for better farm-factory integration and technology adoption for future competitiveness.
The potato market faces challenges reminiscent of 2017, mainly due to increased planted areas and favorable conditions resulting in surplus crops. Although the EU-4 processing area and demand have expanded, exports, particularly in the Netherlands and Belgium, have declined significantly. Despite higher contract prices, growers struggle to remain profitable amid rising production costs. Market recovery hinges on improving fries exports to restore overall performance in the sector.
A global analysis reveals that tariffs, technology, and sustainability pressure are driving innovation in potato markets. ResearchAndMarkets.com forecasts the market’s growth from USD 119.85 billion in 2024 to USD 178.19 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 5.08%. Key factors include rising demand, supply chain reassessment, product diversification, and investment in sustainable practices. Major companies are profiled, with strategic recommendations for stakeholders focusing on resilience and innovation.
The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) indicates a stable potato market, highlighted by improved sales for packing quality potatoes amid quality concerns and limited free-buy activity. While many growers face challenges with higher tare levels and skin cracking, consumption remains steady. Across Europe, processing crop lifting is progressing, with some quality downgrades redirecting potatoes to alternative uses. Overall, market dynamics suggest tighter margins for growers in the coming season.
The Farm Carbon Toolkit’s fact sheet highlights the importance of soil testing for assessing soil health and carbon storage in farming. It emphasizes that healthy soils act as vital carbon sinks and promotes practices like crop rotation and reduced tillage. Key metrics for testing include soil texture, nutrients, and biological activity. Regular testing is crucial for tracking changes, especially in potato systems, to enhance management practices and achieve climate objectives.
Mordor Intelligence’s latest Global Potato Market report values the sector at USD 120 billion in 2025, projecting growth to USD 145 billion by 2030 at a 3.9% CAGR. The analysis highlights Asia-Pacific as the dominant consumer market and Africa as the fastest-growing producer. Growth is driven by processing expansion, quick-service demand, and climate-smart innovation, while volatility, regulation, and sustainability pressures continue to shape the industry’s long-term outlook.
U.S. seed potato exports are witnessing significant growth, with a 61% increase from 2024 to 2025. Key developments include successful trials in Cuba, Central America, and new market opportunities in Panama and Nicaragua. The Golden Globe variety has seen successful registration in Cuba, paving the way for commercial sales. Potatoes USA continues to explore new markets and enhance international seed sales prospects.
The global French fries trade is evolving, with rising demand fueled by urbanization and fast-food growth. While Europe and North America maintain strong consumption, emerging economies like Saudi Arabia and Brazil are seeing dynamic expansion. Europe leads in exports, yet Asia, particularly China and India, is becoming a powerhouse with growing processing capabilities. These insights are part of DCA Market Intelligence’s latest whitepaper, which can be downloaded for free.
The North European Potato Growers (NEPG) warn of a potential supply crisis in 2025 due to a record harvest in the EU-04 region, driven by significant planting increases. Total plantings reached 608,000 hectares, with a forecast of 27.3 million tonnes produced. However, this oversupply may lead to economic instability, prompting NEPG to urge better coordination within the supply chain and anticipate reduced plantings in 2026 if demand does not align.
