No-nonsense, no-frills potato news stories from around the world
French potato growers are facing the lowest average yield in over 30 years due to extreme weather conditions, with projections showing a 14% decrease in yield for 2026. Factors such as heatwaves, drought, and reduced planted area could result in a 23% decline in production. Concerns about contract fulfillment and a potential economic loss of €400 million have prompted calls for government assistance. The outcome remains uncertain as harvest results become clear.
Tasmanian potato growers are in conflict with chip manufacturer Simplot over a new contract, which may impose liability on growers for chip recalls after the potatoes have been sold. Simplot recently halted price negotiations, proposing reduced prices that farmers find unacceptable. Additionally, Simplot’s approach of negotiating directly with individual growers has intensified tensions, as farmers express concern over treatment and contract cancellations amidst rising production costs.
Global potato production is at an all-time high, yet complexities loom. North America is reducing acreage, Europe faces shifting blight populations, and trade policies are uncertain. Notably, a diploid potato variety has been registered in the Netherlands, signaling progress in breeding. Overall, while production rises, profitability and system resilience remain critical as the industry adapts to new challenges, including reliance on integrated supply chains and disease management strategies.
Chick-fil-A sources most of its frozen french fries from Idaho’s Lamb Weston, a company facing numerous challenges such as droughts and increased foreign competition. Farmers like Kamren Koompin are adapting through scientific advances while struggling with fluctuating prices, federal nutrition guidelines, and a movement against processed foods. Despite their productivity, farmers are experiencing price depressions, impacting their financial stability amid rising production costs.
In 2026, North American potato growers are navigating reduced acreage and strong but uneven demand, particularly in the US where plantings fell by over 3%. While Canadian acreage remains stable, the industry faces challenges like production costs, climate variability, and trade uncertainty. Enhanced processing capacity shapes market dynamics, yet profitability relies on balanced supply and demand. The key is aligning production adequately to sustain the industry’s viability amid evolving consumer preferences and market conditions.
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.
The prolonged spell of warm weather in Ireland this week has dampened home consumption of potatoes, according to the Irish Farmers Association’s latest Potato Market Report, issued on June 24. However, IFA noted that the food service sector should see a welcome boost as school holidays get underway next week. Queens are slowly coming onto the market, with demand reported[Read More…]
The potato harvest in Andalusia has decreased by 5%, roughly 10,000 hectares, due to severe storms. Despite this, yields are projected to surpass those of 2025. Marco Román from Asociafruit voiced concerns over the market dominance of low-quality French potatoes, which contain harmful acrylamide levels and are priced the same as new potatoes. The upcoming Fruit Attraction fair will spotlight potatoes, celebrating their global agricultural significance.
The frozen potato market is undergoing significant changes as growth persists amidst price, margin, and demand pressures. A recent report outlines shifting consumer behavior and regional economic impacts, revealing reduced market value despite a volume increase. Geographic disparities in demand and rising costs complicate the landscape. Future growth remains expected but at a slower rate, highlighting the need for processors to adapt and focus on genuine consumption trends for informed strategies.
Potato grower Stuart Applebee highlighted concerns among Tasmanian growers regarding rising costs, particularly transportation fees that have increased by $50 per tonne. Simplot is reportedly considering a financial clause to assist growers. However, Applebee believes any such agreement will not sufficiently alleviate financial pressures. TasFarmers’ Nathan Richardson warned that anticipated per-hectare growing costs could rise by 30 to 40 percent, threatening the viability of many growers.
Potato-linked financial contracts have surged over 700 percent in less than a month due to fears about the Iran war and its impact on agricultural supply chains. Contracts for difference rose from €2.11 to €18.50. Despite this, Europe faces a potato oversupply, leading to significant price drops for lower-grade potatoes. Farmers struggle with increasing production costs, making current pricing levels financially unsustainable.
A widespread U.S. drought is adding early-season uncertainty for potato growers in several key production states, especially Idaho, Oregon, Colorado, Nebraska, Maine, Texas and Florida. While some major regions still have adequate field moisture, drought risk is shifting attention to irrigation allocations, energy costs, tuber set, quality and yield potential. The full crop impact remains uncertain, but 2026 is already shaping up as a water-watch season.
This article examines where value is truly created and retained in the potato sector. It argues that profitability depends not only on growing potatoes efficiently, but on capturing more value through storage, processing, logistics, premium fresh categories, ingredient functionality, and stronger market alignment. Using Canada and broader industry trends as context, it shows that the future of the potato economy will be shaped by strategy, differentiation, and value chain discipline.
Tasmanian potato growers are negotiating prices for the 2026/27 crop amidst concerns about diesel supply. Premier Jeremy Rockliff recently confirmed stable fuel supplies but emphasized the need for farmers’ involvement in contingency planning. TasFarmers expressed the importance of clarity regarding supply risks. The government has activated an incident management team and is prioritizing critical sectors, monitoring fuel stocks, and preparing allocation plans if necessary.
In celebration of the U.S. 250th birthday, the Idaho Potato Commission and County Fair Foods revealed the world’s largest Idaho® potato display, featuring 250,000 potatoes, symbolizing America’s agricultural legacy. Unveiled before National Tater Day, the display represents the significant role of Idaho potatoes in American diets. The event, also supporting hunger relief through Feeding South Dakota, showcased community spirit and local pride while honoring American farmers and the nation’s history.
A virtual G7 meeting on March 30 underscored that the Middle East war is now a direct threat to energy markets, inflation, and global supply chains. For the potato industry, the implications are significant. Higher oil prices, fertilizer sourcing stress, and rising freight costs are increasing pressure on growers, storers, processors, and exporters. While potatoes are not at the center of the conflict, the crop is clearly exposed to its economic fallout.
Since Potato News Today first reported on the Middle East war’s agricultural implications on March 14, the disruption has become more severe. Fertilizer trade through Hormuz has tightened, shipping costs have risen, energy remains expensive, and packaging markets are under new pressure. For the potato industry in the U.S. and globally, the main effect so far is a deeper cost squeeze – on production, storage, processing, and logistics.
Potato growers in Minnesota and North Dakota are warning that delays in H-2A visa processing could disrupt 2026 planting in the Red River Valley. Regional reports say some South African workers cannot secure interview appointments until July, well past the spring labor window. Broader U.S. reporting suggests the problem extends beyond potatoes, with growers in multiple sectors facing costly administrative holds and rising uncertainty over seasonal labor arrivals this year.
The U.S. potato industry is seeking economic relief and better market access as growers contend with rising costs and uncertainty, similar to the 1980s farm crisis. National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles highlighted the need for federal support, particularly for specialty crops like potatoes, to sustain family farms. He also pointed out that expanding trade with Japan could significantly boost exports despite challenges from global tensions impacting input costs.
New research indicates that 62% of Britons now prefer nights in over going out, with older adults being less inclined to stay home. Women (64%) favor staying in more than men (59%). Many find joy in simple pleasures like easy meals and quiet evenings. A shift towards simpler, quicker meals at home is evident, with Lamb Weston chips seen as a convenient choice for enjoyable weeknight dinners.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has agreed with Mexico’s SENASICA to facilitate the export of Canadian potatoes to Mexico, enhancing market opportunities for the Canadian potato sector. This agreement, part of Canada’s strategy to expand international trade, followed Minister Heath MacDonald’s successful trade mission to Mexico. Potatoes are significant to Canada’s agriculture, with exports exceeding $3.7 billion in 2024/2025. The CFIA will support growers in compliance and market access.
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 European potato market faces a significant surplus, leading to growers incurring disposal costs as demand weakens due to competition from Asia and unfavorable tariffs. High yields from 2025 have resulted in excess stocks, with many growers opting to sell early instead of storing potatoes, further inflating market pressures. Current efforts in Belgium and France aim to address this surplus, highlighting the need for strategic adjustments in production and marketing to stabilize the market.
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.
