News on Sustainability from Canada

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.

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.

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.

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.

P.E.I. launches a buy-back program for potato wart index fields to combat the fungal disease. It aids farmers, protects land, and boosts trade, with over USD 40M spent since 2021 on wart control efforts.

PEI celebrates the 2nd International Day of Potato, honoring its historic role and global impact. With innovation and sustainability, Island farmers grow 2.6B lbs yearly - feeding over 25 million people and securing the future of this vital crop.

Celebrate the International Day of the Potato on May 15, 2025, with a global webinar hosted by the World Potato Congress! Discover how this vital crop drives food security and rural resilience through expert insights and global case studies.

UPEI students created Spuds2Suds, a soap made from surplus PEI potatoes. The eco-friendly project won top prizes at Enactus Regionals, donates a bar to food banks for each sold, and is now available locally. Next stop: Enactus Nationals in Calgary.

The World Potato Congress hosts a webinar on potato sustainability with John Mesko, CEO of PSA, on April 16, 2025, at 4:00 PM EST. It covers a comprehensive program that supports farmers in adopting better practices and sharing their story.

Canadian Fertilizer company Nutrien Ltd. has released its 2024 Sustainability Report, detailing company performance and providing an update on its sustainability initiatives.

McCain Foods, the maker of 1 in 4 fries worldwide, is making big strides towards its regenerative agriculture commitment, digging in with the aim to help combat climate change over time and secure the future of everyone’s favorite food, the golden French fry.

With the release of the global 2024 Sustainability Report, McCain Foods continues to make progress towards its goal to provide products that are more sustainably sourced – delivering good food to consumers, while supporting the communities where it operates.

Lamb Weston is now offering its US foodservice customers the option to get their frozen French fries in a recyclable paper bag. The new package is the result of several years’ work by its packaging engineers to develop a format with a more sustainable end-of-life solution than exists for the company’s polyethylene bags.

Potato breeding company HZPC says goodbye to Gerard Backx and calls for resilience revolution This year's Potato Days of potato breeder Royal HZPC Group were marked by a farewell and a new beginning.

Genesis Fertilizers Limited Partnership has solidified two strategic partnerships to further its vision of developing a low carbon-intensity fertilizer production facility.

The McKenna Institute at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) announced a CAD 3.75 million (USD 2.7 million) investment from a partnership led by potato processor McCain Foods that will revolutionize digital agriculture, progress regenerative farming practices and minimize the impact of climate change on farmland.

A sustainable business. A healthy planet. A responsibility to all. Purposeful actions that benefit our world and the bottom line ensure successful operations at Simplot now and well into the future.