News on Potato Cultivation from Northern America

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.

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.

En 2025, la superficie sembrada de papa en EE. UU. cayó a su nivel más bajo en más de 70 años, con 369.000 hectáreas, aunque los altos rendimientos previstos mitigarán el impacto en la producción total.

Drought across Maine, with 80% of the state affected, threatens potato harvests. Experts warn stunted growth, urging irrigation. The USD 1.3 Billion industry faces risks as relief isn’t expected until early autumn.

Strategic partnership between Oxbo and Allan Equipment. Enhanced product portfolio to meet the demand of potato growers. Complementary strengths leveraging Allan’s technical innovation with Oxbo’s network.

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

Wisconsin red and yellow potato harvest is underway at Alsum Farms in Adams, Wis. with the first potato loads being washed, graded, and packed for fresh market delivery to distribution centers and retail grocers.

Gov. Mills and UMaine leaders reopened the modernized Aroostook Farm after a USD 3 Million upgrade, boosting Maine’s potato research with advanced tech to speed new variety development like the Caribou Russet, supporting jobs and the agri-economy.

After years of effort, the USDA has officially deregulated a 120-acre field near Shelley, Idaho, from the state's pale cyst nematode (PCN) quarantine program, marking a major milestone in the fight against this potato pest.

Lawmakers toured Aroostook County to explore Maine’s potato industry, seeing innovative tech and learning how policy affects farming. The trip aimed to boost understanding of agricultural challenges and support.

Robots in potato farming help ease labor shortages, cut costs, and boost yields by automating tasks like planting and harvesting. Paired with smart tools like crop monitoring, they improve efficiency, reduce waste, and support sustainable farming.