Weather/Climate Change

Strong El Niño puts potato storage economics under scrutiny in new NAPSO bulletin

The North America Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) warns that the intensifying El Niño phenomenon could significantly impact potato storability, energy costs, and market returns post-2026 harvest. A recent bulletin merges climate assessments with potato-storage research, highlighting challenges from warmer temperatures and uncertain precipitation patterns. Essential factors for storage management include tuber condition, local weather, and monitoring variables such as bruising and moisture levels, influencing economic outcomes.

October 12, 2026

Beyond the harvest: England’s potato growers face a critical winter water test

The recent drought update highlights the urgent need for England’s potato industry to focus on replenishing irrigation reservoirs, as many are only 0-20% full. A temporary regulatory measure allows some growers to refill outside typical periods but requires compliance with environmental protections. The situation emphasizes the importance of water management for future production, stressing that separate assessments of past yields and future resource availability are crucial for planning.

October 10, 2026

First International Potato Symposium: Europe’s potato sector calls for closer cooperation as climate and market pressures mount

The 1st International Potato Symposium in Madrid on October 5 gathered approximately 250 professionals to discuss challenges and opportunities within the potato sector. Organized by FEPEX and Europatat, the event focused on production, market developments, plant health, and sustainability. Key speakers addressed the complexities of potato production amidst climate change and resource pressures. The symposium emphasized collaboration across the value chain to address shared challenges and ensure a strong European potato sector in future policy discussions.

October 8, 2026

What the canopy cannot tell us: Heat damage hidden inside the potato ridge

Recent potato losses in East Asia due to extreme heat highlight significant production risks. South Korean grower Lee Sang-hyuk discovered that potatoes, seemingly healthy above ground, were damaged beneath the surface during a heatwave. The temperatures disrupt tuber formation, impacting yield and quality. The findings emphasize that managing soil temperature and moisture is crucial, as traditional measurements may not reflect the conditions tubers experience, leading to hidden crop losses.

September 10, 2026

El Niño warning intensifies as India’s potato season approaches

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) predicts nearly 100% probability that the current El Niño event will persist into early 2027, raising concerns for potato production in India amid a deepening monsoon deficit. While the impact of El Niño varies regionally, farmers may face increased irrigation needs and potential crop stress due to below-normal rainfall and above-average temperatures, heightening production risks without confirming loss projections.

September 8, 2026

Drought, deluge and disease: How El Niño is reshaping the global potato outlook

The 2026-27 El Niño is rapidly intensifying, posing diverse threats to global potato production. Regions like India and Peru face risks from drought and flooding, while Europe experiences severe crop damage from heat and dryness, with uncertain attribution to El Niño. Each region’s unique climatic conditions necessitate careful monitoring of weather patterns and risk management strategies to mitigate agricultural stress and potential market disruptions.

September 2, 2026

UK drought tightens its grip on potatoes, but scale of crop losses remains uncertain

England and Wales are facing an exceptional drought that significantly impacts potato growers, causing reduced tuber sizes, heightened irrigation costs, and challenging harvesting conditions. Despite these pressures, there is no definitive national crop-loss estimate, highlighting regional variations in drought severity. While diminished yields are expected, the potato market is not collapsing; instead, it is under pressure with potential upward price movements and concerns regarding quality and tuber sizes.

August 28, 2026

French potato production could fall 23% as drought and heat cut yields: Lowest yields in more than 30 years

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.

August 24, 2026

Global partnership launches AI project to accelerate development of climate-resilient potato and sweetpotato varieties

A global initiative named GAIN-RT has been launched to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) in the rapid development of crop varieties, primarily focused on potatoes and later sweetpotatoes. This collaboration includes the International Potato Center, the James Hutton Institute, and African partners, aiming to address challenges posed by climate change, pests, and diseases. The project also emphasizes training for scientists, particularly women, to enhance local research capabilities and improve food security.

August 19, 2026

The potato industry’s next water challenge: Learning to produce more value from every drop

Recent research from Europe and North America reveals that increased irrigation does not guarantee better potato yields, challenging common practices. Factors such as crop stage, cultivar, and irrigation method influence outcomes significantly. Findings indicate that effective water management relies on precise decisions regarding irrigation timing and amount, rather than general assumptions, emphasizing economic productivity over simple yield maximization. The industry should embrace a holistic approach to enhance drought resilience.

August 18, 2026

Idaho’s potato farmers are getting squeezed from all sides

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.

August 16, 2026

Lamb Weston flags price risks from heat-impacted potato crop

James Gray, CFO of Lamb Weston, has identified new cost pressures facing the French fries maker, notably linked to extreme weather in Europe impacting potato crops. Despite current supply coverage, potential shortages could heighten inflationary pressures from geopolitical conflicts. During a recent conference, Gray noted reduced yields due to early crop maturation and encouraged innovation in response to competitive restaurant markets.

August 16, 2026

North America’s potato industry in 2026: Smaller acreage, strong processing demand and a market still searching for balance

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.

August 14, 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

Drought pressure spreads across north-west Europe’s potato belt

North-Western Europe is facing severe challenges in potato production due to drought and extreme heat affecting countries like France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. With an estimated 11% reduction in planted area and intensified irrigation demands, crop growth has slowed significantly. The situation threatens yield and quality, leading to fears of tighter supply in the 2026 market if sustained rainfall does not occur soon.

August 13, 2026

England’s drought deepens as potato growers confront mounting yield and quality risks

Record drought conditions in England threaten the potato crop’s yield, tuber quality, and market availability, with about 71% of the country experiencing drought as of August 10. Challenges include reduced tuber bulking, smaller sizes, and difficulty meeting market specifications. Irrigation is crucial, yet access to water is becoming restricted. The situation calls for strategic water management to sustain potato production amid growing concerns over food security.

August 12, 2026

The last load before the rain

The potato harvest season embodies challenges, resilience, and family dynamics in farming. As weather fluctuates between drought and rain, growers like Pieter balance hope and caution. The narrative highlights the emotional weight of decisions, portraying farming as a blend of human judgment and technology. Ultimately, saving a crop involves more than just yield; it encapsulates pride, responsibility, and the enduring connections among family members navigating agricultural life.

July 2, 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

Europe’s heatwave puts potato crops under pressure as Spain reports early yield concerns

A late-June heatwave in Europe is raising significant concerns for potato crops, particularly in Spain, where heat stress and increased irrigation demands threaten yields. Reports indicate potential declines of 10% to 15% compared to optimal conditions, exacerbated by reduced planted areas. The broader impact of high temperatures and limited rainfall across Europe could intensify crop challenges. Future assessments will reveal the extent of damage, with critical factors including tuber bulking and soil moisture.

June 27, 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

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

Drought pressure builds across key U.S. potato regions as 2026 season gets underway

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.

April 26, 2026

‘Potato risk management more important than ever’

Potato production in the UK faces significant risks due to weather volatility and reduced farming subsidies, as discussed in a recent GB Potatoes webinar. Experts highlighted the importance of innovative risk management strategies, such as parametric insurance, which offers quicker payouts based on measurable weather events rather than traditional assessments. This new coverage aims to provide essential financial protection for growers, allowing them to safeguard their crops against increasingly unpredictable conditions.

April 14, 2026