Nieuws from Canada

World Potato Congress Inc. (WPC) will host a webinar, 'Biology and Integrated Management of Potato Common Scab,' October 20, 2025. The speaker is Amanda Gevens, PhD, Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist, University of Wisconsin–Madison.

As the market leader in frying oil filtration, VITO AG has introduced the new VITO XM Frying Oil Filter - the next evolution of one of its most successful products.

Covered Bridge Potato Chips has reopened in Woodstock, N.B., after a 2024 fire destroyed its Hartland plant. The new site restores jobs and flavours, while Hartland hopes for its return and keeps the old location open as a gift shop and attraction.

Prince Edward Island researchers are testing the Weed Zapper, an electric tool offering a chemical-free alternative to herbicides. The 2-year study aims to cut costs, limit weed spread, and support sustainable pest management in horticulture crops.

Cellar Insights raised an oversubscribed seed round, co-led by Tall Grass Ventures & Accelerate Fund IV, to scale its AI-powered potato storage tech, preventing spoilage and reducing crop losses across North America.

A new webpage by the Michigan Potato Industry Commission offers growers tools to identify and manage late blight, featuring pathogen details, outbreak protocols, fungicide advice and links to monitoring organizations.

P.E.I. potato farmers face major crop losses as drought grips the island. With only 10% irrigated land, yields are falling below average. Farmers like Andrew Lawless expect 30% losses, warning climate change demands urgent investment in irrigation.

Renaissance BioScience Corp. secured an Australian patent on Sept 4, 2025, for its yeast-based RNA platform, targeting the Colorado Potato Beetle with eco-friendly biopesticides. It also eyes animal and human health markets.

FPS Food Process Solutions expands its End-to-End French fry processing expertise with senior hires Dave Rogers, Mike Holden & Ronald Muller, bringing decades of global potato industry experience to enhance operations, projects & customer support.

False claims suggest Canada cut potato exports to the U.S. and signed a $1.6B Asia deal. No such deal exists. The U.S. remains the top market, with only a 17% dip in 2025 exports, not 41%. Under CUSMA, tariffs don’t apply. Viral posts are clickbait.

A Canadian study shows regenerative practices in potato farming boost soil health, yields and carbon capture. Trials found plant diversity raises marketable yield and resilience without more diseases, supporting long term farm viability

The University of Manitoba has named Dr. Linda Schott as the first UM Research Chair in Potato Sustainability, a key role focused on educating students and promoting innovation and sustainability in Manitoba’s growing potato industry.

Regulations on food safety, labour scarcity, and environmental pressures are driving the need for smarter, more sustainable solutions. Waste doesn’t just affect visual quality. It disrupts automation, clogs up machines, and costs money. 

If you think making potato snacks is simply a case of slicing spuds and tossing them into hot oil, think again! Behind every perfectly crisp packet of crisps or golden chip lies a world of challenges, clever fixes, and constant innovation.

The WPC congratulates Julio Kalazich, as he makes the transition from WPC International Advisor to WPC Director. New International Advisors are welcomed to the World Potato Congress Inc.

Cavendish Farms is launching a sustainability project on Prince Edward Island to help potato growers adopt eco-friendly practices, focusing on water use, pest control, and soil health. A farm advisory group will guide research and share results with local farmers.

Chad Hutchinson of TriCal Group joins the World Potato Congress Inc. Board as a Director. A global expert in potato research and soil health, he brings decades of experience supporting growers and advancing crop production worldwide.

WPC Inc. announces leadership changes: Nora Olsen, Jang Sangha, and Martin Acosta retire, with Greg Donald named Vice President and Brian Douglas appointed Treasurer as preparations begin for the 2026 Congress in Kenya.