Varieties

Advancing Ethiopia’s potato sector: Farmers help researchers select potato varieties that the market demands

Potatoes are crucial for food security and income in Ethiopia, where small-scale farmers dominate agriculture. Since 1975, the International Potato Center (CIP) has partnered with the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) to improve potato productivity and develop better varieties. Gender-specific preferences emerged during participatory varietal selection, helping identify high-yielding, disease-resistant clones that can potentially increase yields significantly, enhancing farmers’ livelihoods and food security.

March 24, 2025

Healthycrop and Haggard Stores unite to deliver fungal-resistant potatoes for a sustainable future

Healthycrop and Haggard Stores Limited have formed a strategic partnership to develop fungal-resistant potatoes, enhancing agricultural sustainability. This collaboration combines Healthycrop’s plant science and Haggard Stores’ agronomy expertise to empower farmers with healthier, more resilient crops, reducing reliance on chemical treatments. The initiative aims to secure food production and improve yields, addressing the significant financial impact fungal diseases have on potato farmers and promoting sustainable practices worldwide.

March 23, 2025

Rethinking potatoes: Greenvale and Great British Chefs launch campaign to modernise consumer choices

Greenvale, a leading UK potato supplier, has launched the “Move Over Maris” campaign through its Golden Kings brand to address consumer awareness regarding potato varieties. The initiative promotes newer, climate-friendly potato types that require fewer resources and offer better yields. Partnering with Great British Chefs, the campaign aims to educate shoppers on the importance of supporting sustainable agriculture while enjoying innovative dishes made from these varieties.

March 20, 2025

A new era in potato genetics: Diploid potatoes hold the key to a more diverse and drought-resistant future

A comprehensive study on diploid potatoes, led by Dr. Bourlaye Fofana at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), reveals potential breeding advantages due to their genetic diversity. Researchers analyzed 384 diploid clones and identified 127 with drought resistance and late maturity. This research aims to enhance potato resilience to climate change, developing new commercial varieties that could benefit Canadian producers.

March 13, 2025

Growing against the odds: How Northern Canadian scientists and farmers are transforming cold-climate agriculture

Agricultural development in northern Canada is advancing despite challenges like short growing seasons. Dr. Julia Wheeler’s multi-year research project tested season extension technologies, including low tunnels, improving green bean yields in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, St. John’s, and Whitehorse. The study also assessed various potato varieties to offer alternatives for growers. Future research will focus on reusable technologies and diverse vegetable varieties to support sustainable agriculture in the North.

March 11, 2025

Driving innovation in potato breeding: Canadian Private Potato Breeders Network reports major advances at annual meeting

The Canadian Private Potato Breeders Network (CPPBN) held its 15th annual meeting on February 4, 2025, reviewing advancements in independent potato breeding. Key leadership roles were reaffirmed, and updates showed nearly 200,000 seedlings cultivated annually. Significant challenges include potato wart resistance and access to field trials. Recent breakthroughs in disease resistance and international collaboration signal a promising future for Canadian potato production.

February 20, 2025

Inside the battle against potato wart: How Canadian scientists lead the fight against a devastating crop disease

Potato wart leads to significant potato production issues. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) researchers, including Dr. Hai Nguyen and Dr. David De Koeyer, are advancing genomic studies to identify resistant potato varieties and develop better detection tools. Their collaborative efforts aim to mitigate the economic impacts of potato wart through improved breeding and research. AAFC St. John’s researchers Dr. Linda Jewell are supporting the research efforts at the Avondale site in Newfoundland.

February 19, 2025

Preserving a favourite staple: Cranfield University researchers work with PepsiCo and Solynta to extend potato shelf life

New research in the UK aims to enhance potato dormancy and storage life, crucial for maintaining year-round supplies. Following the ban of the sprouting-inhibiting chemical CIPC, storage life has declined. Cranfield University collaborates with PepsiCo and Solynta to develop new potato varieties that extend storage, reduce energy use, and minimize chemicals, ultimately decreasing food waste and environmental impact while ensuring high-quality supplies for consumers.

February 5, 2025

HZPC Americas Corp. launches new strategy with the creation of a Seed Dealer Network

HZPC Americas Corp. is launching a Seed Dealer Network to strengthen the North American potato industry, focusing on the USA and Canada. They established strategic partnerships with Ebe Farms, Kroeker Farms, and Edmonton Potato Growers to ensure clean seed supply. Transitioning from direct sales to a licensing approach, HZPC aims to simplify processes and maintain strong support for their growers, reinforcing their market leadership in potato genetics.

January 27, 2025

Betting on innovation: The bold move of an Italian company toward offering low-calorie potatoes

Matteo Freddi of “Freddi 1926 srl” is introducing low-calorie potato varieties at the Marca trade fair in Bologna on January 15-16, 2025. These tubers contain 25% fewer calories than standard potatoes and cater to health-conscious consumers, particularly the young demographic. The company plans to offer a range of varieties throughout the year, reflecting significant changes in leadership and branding.

January 15, 2025

Northern Plains potato growers fund Endowed Professorship at NDSU to advance breeding innovations

Susie Thompson from North Dakota State University (NDSU) has been named the first Johansen-Thompson Endowed Professor in Potato Breeding, a $1.5 million endowment promoting agricultural research. This tribute honors renowned breeders Robert Johansen and Thompson. The funding will enhance NDSU’s programs, ensuring the development of new potato varieties, exemplified by the Dakota Russet’s inclusion in McDonald’s offerings.

January 8, 2025

The science of golden fries: German scientists unveil how agronomy, storage conditions impact French fry quality

A study published in the European Journal of Agronomy highlights agronomic and storage factors affecting the frying color of French fries. The research emphasizes cultivar selection, nitrogen fertilization, and consistent irrigation to manage reducing sugars. Additionally, optimal storage temperatures between 8°C and 12°C are crucial to prevent cold-induced sweetening. Implementing these practices can enhance potato quality and minimize waste in the supply chain.

January 7, 2025

Reviving Scotland’s heritage potatoes: The Skea family’s mission

In Glenisla, Perthshire, Amy and Andrew Skea are passionate about reviving heritage potato varieties through their venture, Potato House, which offers over 80 types of seed potatoes. Their goal is to preserve Scotland’s potato heritage while appealing to gardeners seeking unique flavors. With a family legacy dating back to the 1960s, they also launched a recipe site featuring over 230 potato-based recipes.

January 6, 2025

EUROPLANT America emerges from reorganization: A new chapter for potato seed solutions

EUROPLANT Europe is reorganizing its global potato breeding and farming operations under a unified brand, with Potato Seed Solutions now called EUROPLANT America. This independent entity will market both existing and new potato varieties, focusing on industry needs like resistance and sustainability. SunRain’s prior multiplication and distribution duties will be assumed by EUROPLANT America, enhancing its commitment to the agricultural sector. Engagement is invited at the Potato Expo in Orlando.

December 21, 2024

Rwanda’s potato revolution: How the introduction of eleven new varieties are transforming farming and food security

Rwanda’s potato sector has transformed through a collaboration between RAB and the International Potato Center (CIP), supported by USAID’s AID-I GLR initiative. Eleven new potato varieties have been introduced, enhancing yields and resilience against climate challenges.

December 14, 2024

Genetic breakthroughs at Otago University set to transform New Zealand’s potato industry

In a recent webinar, Dr. Rowan Herridge, a Research Fellow at the University of Otago in New Zealand discussed innovative potato breeding techniques, highlighting the challenges posed by potatoes’ tetraploid nature. He explained traditional methods and introduced New Breeding Techniques (NBTs), including gene editing and F1 hybrid breeding, which enable enhanced disease resistance and genetic gains. These advancements, being developed at Otago University, promise sustainable improvements for New Zealand potato growers.

December 14, 2024

A half-century of impact: Dr. Charles Higgins’ remarkable contributions to potatoes and beyond

Dr. Charles (Charlie) Higgins, a prominent figure in the potato industry for nearly 50 years, is transitioning from active farming to focus on family and the Ethiopian Food Project. He is recognized for his vast knowledge and contributions, serving as a consultant and mentor. Notable achievements include developing disease-free potato seed in Ethiopia and promoting the National Chip Program. Chris Long will succeed him at Norika America LLC.

December 4, 2024

China’s potatoes face climate challenge: Scientists rush to climate-proof potatoes

A research team led by molecular biologist Li Jieping in Beijing has discovered unusually small potatoes, indicating alarming future food security risks due to climate change. These potatoes weigh less than half that of a typical potato in China. The study revealed that higher temperatures accelerate tuber growth while reducing yields by over 50%. China’s potato production, vital for global food security, faces serious threats from rising temperatures.

November 28, 2024

Dutch farmer pioneers true potato seed for sustainable baby potato production

In Haps, Southern Holland, potato farmer Maarten Robben experimented by sowing true potato seed (TPS) for the first time. His aim was to grow high-quality baby potatoes with reduced chemical use while combating late blight. By July 8, he planted Solynta’s Solhy017 and Solhy016 varieties. After 90 days, the harvest yielded excellent results, demonstrating both high germination rates and quality, potentially replacing imports.

November 28, 2024

Cultivating excellence: Canada’s Desjardins family and their journey to seed potato success

In a secluded valley next to eastern Ontario, the Desjardins family operates a 1500-acre farm focusing on high-quality seed potato production, along with non-GMO crops through a four-year rotation. Since registering as seed growers in 2000, they cultivate over 300 acres annually. Their collaboration with the Ontario Seed Potato Growers Association (OSPGA) has strengthened, enabling them to supply various markets with popular potato varieties.

November 18, 2024

Royal HZPC Group calls for global ‘resilience revolution’ in potato agriculture to overcome climate challenges

The Royal HZPC Group has released a video addressing urgent agricultural challenges, emphasizing that nearly half of potential crops are lost to pests, diseases, and extreme weather. The message calls for a revolution in potato cultivation to meet global food demand through collaboration and innovation. It highlights the necessity for resilience in agriculture to secure a sustainable food future for generations, inviting industry stakeholders to unite for impactful change.

November 13, 2024

China’s potato industry leverages innovation and science to strengthen potato production

China, the top global potato producer, is leveraging innovation to enhance production, crucial for food security. The country’s year-round cultivation on some 5 million hectares of arable land presents unique opportunities for testing agricultural techniques. A long-standing partnership with the International Potato Center has yielded significant potato varieties and improved practices. Amid challenges like climate change, collaborations are focusing on climate-resilient crops, emphasizing technology for sustainable future production.

November 11, 2024

ADAPT project’s success: Paving the way for future-proof potatoes amidst climate challenges

The ADAPT project, concluded on 28 October, focused on enhancing potato resilience against environmental stresses, supported by a 5 million Euro EU Horizon 2020 budget. An international consortium investigated stress tolerance in potatoes, particularly amid climate change factors like heat and drought. Key outcomes included insights into stress acclimation, advanced phenotyping techniques, and frameworks for future breeding programs, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration for impactful agricultural solutions.

November 10, 2024

HZPC takes leave of Gerard Backx and calls for ‘resilience revolution’

Royal HZPC Group’s Potato Days 2024 featured a farewell to CEO Gerard Backx and the launch of the Resilience Revolution theme. This pivotal initiative aims to address the staggering loss of food crops due to various challenges. With ongoing collaborative efforts and resilient potato varieties on display, the focus is on enhancing agricultural potential. Backx’s departure was marked by a donation to the Paul Speijer Fund, supporting African students.

November 8, 2024

‘Finding Nemo’: Branston launches speedy spud in stores for Christmas

Branston has introduced its hybrid Nemo potato ahead of the festive season to meet increased demand for roasting options. Developed over nine years, Nemo reduces cooking time by 25% compared to standard potatoes. It requires less water and fertilizer, emphasizing sustainability. Available at selected Tesco stores, it has outperformed traditional varieties in taste tests. Its unique appearance and fast cooking make it ideal for Christmas meals.

November 5, 2024