News on Potato Cultivation from Northern America

McCain Foods has released its 2025 Global Sustainability Report, sharing progress toward its sustainability commitments with the completion of a key pledge made in 2021, and outlines refreshed sustainability targets to 2030.

Jared Balcom, a fourth-generation potato grower from Pasco, Washington, has been named the 2026 Potato Person of the Year in recognition of his long-standing leadership and advocacy on behalf of the United States potato industry.

The World Potato Congress will host a webinar on Dec 10, 2025, where Dr. Christine Noronha shares research showing how crop rotation reduces wireworm damage in potatoes, highlighting her innovative pest management advances and key field results.

The 58th Idaho Potato Conference will be held Jan. 21–22 in Pocatello, featuring panels, research updates, a trade show and sessions on soil-borne diseases, agronomy, storage and water issues. Registration is USD 40 before Jan. 14.

Kroeker Farms announces a CEO transition: Wayne Rempel becomes Senior Advisor after decades of leadership, and COO Harwin Bouwman is appointed CEO effective Dec 1, 2025.

People rarely think of Washington when talking about potatoes. Yet much of what happens in the fields— from fertilizer prices to seed genetics— is shaped, directly or indirectly, by decisions made in the U.S. capital.

McCain Foods has agreed to acquire Penobscot McCrum LLC, expanding its North American operations. The deal adds McCrum’s modern Washburn, Maine, facility to McCain’s network, strengthening supply, innovation, and support for local farmers.

Aroostook County has long been referred to as Maine’s Potato Empire. Because of the relatively short season in the County and its rich, fertile soil, potatoes became the dominant crop as non-indigenous settlement increased in the 19th century.

APH Group, a global dealer organization for agricultural machinery and installations, has opened a sales and service office in Grafton, North Dakota, expanding its presence into the Red River Valley region.

Lethbridge researchers study how heat waves and hail affect potato crops. Dr. Neilson finds timing is key, with storms during tuber growth reducing quality. His work aims to create tools to help farmers assess risks and boost crop resilience.

Calantha, a new RNA-based sprayable pesticide, effectively kills Colorado potato beetles while sparing beneficial insects. Most effective on small larvae, it offers a sustainable, targeted solution to combat resistant crop pests.

Scientists have decoded the sweetpotato’s complex hexaploid genome, revealing its mixed ancestry and resilience traits. This breakthrough offers powerful tools for breeders to boost yield, nutrition, and climate resistance, securing food futures.

Lay’s unveils its biggest redesign in nearly 100 years, celebrating its farm-to-chip heritage. With real, farm-grown potatoes, new natural recipes, and refreshed packaging, Lay’s commits to no artificial flavors or colors in the U.S. by 2025.

Potatoes USA reports strong seed export growth. Golden Globe registered in Cuba, Soraya next. New sales in Panama, Nicaragua & Uruguay follow trials. Future trials planned in Dominican Republic & Honduras, including the variety Sound.

Cornell marks 160 years of potato breeding, creating 50+ varieties—including top U.S. chip potatoes and nematode-resistant strains. Farmer partnerships and USDA support drive innovation, boosting sustainability and the USD 100B U.S. potato industry.

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.

Eastern Oregon potato growers face rising costs as U.S. tariffs hit fertilizer, equipment, and exports. Industry leaders warn of lost markets to China and long-term risks if tariffs persist.

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.