News on The Potato Supply Chain from Northern America

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.

The National Potato Council is disappointed that the United States - Japan agreement did not include fresh market access for United States potatoes. Japan has delayed this market access request from the United States for thirty years, including delays as recently as this month.

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.

NDSU’s new yellow potato variety, ND1241-1Y, bred by Susie Thompson in the Red River Valley, offers uniform, round tubers with rich color and flavor. It chips well from field or storage and suits the region’s short season. Commercial release may come soon.

As a sixth-generation family farm in Washington’s Skagit Valley, Pioneer Potatoes may be smaller in acreage than many neighbors, but their focus has always been on delivering premium A-size potatoes to top supermarkets and restaurants.

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.

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.

The Michigan Potato Industry Commission (MPIC) has reported that United States demand for Canadian table potatoes could be lower this year due to a large United States crop and extremely low prices.

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.

In May 2025, the Washington Post published an article entitled, powered by potatoes: Endurance athletes are chasing speed with spuds. The humble potato – cited as a mild, carbohydrate-packed fuel option – is growing in popularity among endurance athletes

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.

Agristo begins site preparation for its first U.S. potato plant on 360 acres in Grand Forks, ND. Set to open Jan 2028, it will produce fries, tots and more using 20,000+ acres of potatoes. Groundbreaking planned for Apr 2026.

As a leading grower of fresh potatoes, Wada Farms set out to improve efficiency, enhance product quality, and reduce reliance on manual labor. All while preparing for future growth.

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.

The Washington-Oregon Potato Conference 2026 will once again unite growers, processors, suppliers, and stakeholders. Known as a premier industry event, it offers innovation, insights, and valuable networking opportunities for the potato sector.

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.