Potato News

Canada: Shortage of potatoes leads Cavendish Farms to close fresh packaging facility

Cavendish Farms announced today that they will be focusing on the frozen potato processing business on Prince Edward Island in Canada due to the limited availability of potatoes. The decision will result in the closure of their fresh produce packaging facility in O’Leary, Prince Edward Island at the end of the year. “Cavendish Farms has had to make this difficult business decision based on ongoing demand, and limited availability of potatoes on the Island,” said Ron Clow, General Manager, Cavendish Farms.
7/31/2018

Top management changes at McCain Foods (GB)

McCain, the UK’s number one frozen potato brand, has announced that Nick Vermont will be retiring from the business after an outstanding 35-year career at McCain. Howard Snape will replace Nick as regional president, McCain Foods GB and Ireland. Nick steps down having secured a major upgrade of the McCain facilities in Scarborough, following the announcement to invest over £100m renovating the plant last year, and secure its operations in GB for generations to come.
7/31/2018

Ireland: Potatoes stop growing in parched earth

David Rodgers, the second generation of his family growing potatoes in Ballyboughal, and his father have never experienced anything like it. So parched is the earth in this famously lush and fertile north Co Dublin countryside that potatoes are not growing at all. “There is definitely going to be a scarcity of potatoes and vegetables in Ireland, ” he says gloomily,
7/30/2018

Critical drought conditions: Up to 20% potato loss expected in Ireland

As drought conditions continue, Teagasc has estimated that up to 20% of potato crops could be lost in some parts of the country. The lack of rain has halted growth in regions and fears are growing that losses could be greater than 20% in some regions as only a quarter of the crop has been irrigated.
7/30/2018

German Potato Processing Industry Association expects crop shortage due to drought

Due to the long ongoing drought and heat wave, the potato harvest in Germany and Europe will be significantly reduced in quantity, as well as quality compared to the previous year. This is the current assessment of the BOGK (German Association of Fruit, Vegetables and Potato Processing Industry). Based on the available reports from the crop growing areas the BOGK is expecting a significantly lower potato harvest for this year.
7/30/2018

Dutch growers sound the alarm over small potatoes, chips are set to shrink

Potato growers have written to agriculture minister Carola Schouten urging her to relax the rules on watering their crops, even in areas where there is a ban. The continuing drought threatens to slash the size of this year’s potato crop, and this means french fries are likely to be smaller and more expensive this autumn and winter, the Telegraaf reported.
7/30/2018

US-China trade war: Idaho may be the biggest victim, but not for its potatoes

Idaho is the state most exposed to fallout from the U.S.-China trade war, even though its most famous product, potatoes, has so far been spared from the wrath of Beijing’s retaliatory strikes, according to a new study. China buys Idaho’s frozen potatoes for its fast-food restaurants. China and Canada have spared frozen potatoes from tariffs. Both countries are major buyers of American frozen potatoes, primarily for the fast-food industry.
7/30/2018

PAA Symposium: Data, monitoring help fight potato pests worldwide

Early detection and reporting often help keep potato pests in check even if regulators ultimately don’t order eradications and field quarantines as a result. Field data are the lifeblood of so-far successful efforts to isolate and remove major yield-reducing pests in Idaho, New York and various countries, speakers at a July 23 Potato Association of America symposium in Boise said.
7/30/2018

US: Helpful tips on scouting potato fields for insect pests

According to Carrie Huffman Wohleb, “the insect monitoring network in potato fields I operate across Washington’s Columbia Basin provides growers information about where and when insect pests are showing up in the region and warns them about potential pest problems. It’s not intended to replace a grower’s scouting activities but is a guide for what to look for. Similar programs are found throughout North America. They can be very helpful since pest populations often vary within a region and from year to year.”
7/24/2018

Bullish: Mostly optimistic outlook for 2018 Canadian potato crop

For most of the past decade, potato production in Canada has been relatively stagnant. The economic crash of 2008 reduced demand for Canadian spuds in some markets and the industry struggled to regain its lost footing. With the 2018 growing season well under way, there now seems to be a renewed sense of optimism among many Canadian potato growers. Kevin MacIsaac, general manager of the United Potato Growers of Canada (UPGC), says the increase is largely attributable to processing companies like McCain and Simplot expanding their production lines in this country.
7/21/2018

Farm24: British farmers tell their stories on social media on August 9

24 Hours in Farming is the British farming industry’s biggest online event. On August 9, everyone involved in the industry have the opportunity to post pictures and videos to highlight the work they are doing – and they can do so on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat). The idea is to show consumers the vast effort and care that it takes to produce the food we all love to eat.
7/21/2018

The K-factor: Scientists take a closer look at the critical role of potassium in plant stress response

Scientists in China published a research paper a few years back on potassium and its influence on plants, in particular how plants respond to stress. “Potassium (K) is an essential nutrient that affects most of the biochemical and physiological processes that influence plant growth and metabolism. It also contributes to the survival of plants exposed to various biotic and abiotic stresses,” they wrote.
7/21/2018

‘Canadian potato growers made wise planting decisions,’ says grower organization

Statistics Canada released the first official estimate of planted Canadian potato acreage for 2018. Planted acreage nationally is slightly up +0.5% and is estimated to be 347,416 acres, compared to 345,817 acres planted in 2017. “It overall reflects improved demand for processing products,” says the general manager of the United Potato Growers of Canada, Kevin MacIsaac (@UniSpud).
7/20/2018

Bug squad on the move: Natural pest control under review in Canada

A research scientist at Agriculture Canada in the province of Prince Edward Island (PEI) on the east coast of Canada is looking for natural ways to deal with pests that cause damage to cabbage, canola and potatoes. Entomologist Christine Noronha has planted multiple plots at the Harrington Research Station this summer. One of Noronha’s key areas of research is how to prevent click beetles and wireworm that are extremely harmful to P.E.I. potato crops.
7/20/2018

World’s first wireless NPK sensor is state of the art

Soil analytics company Teralytic has released a limited number of its wireless soil probes to be delivered in time for the 2019 planting season. The Teralytic probe contains 26 sensors, including the world’s first wireless NPK sensor. Probes are available worldwide and can be pre-ordered now through the Teralytic website. “The collection of data in real time allows growers to make more informed decisions regarding fertilization and irrigation,” says Meagan Hynes, Teralytic’s vice president of soil science.
7/20/2018

Gobbled up: German snack company bought UK-based Popchips

German food company Intersnack Group has snapped up UK-based potato crisps maker Popchips. The company revealed that its British arm, KP Snacks, which makes KP nuts, Hula Hoops, Butterkist popcorn and Tyrrells crisps, had bought the company for an undisclosed sum.
7/19/2018

US: Potato exporter big on Colorado spuds; expanding to Mexico

Epic Produce Sales LLC will be involved in the Colorado potato deal, shipping from San Luis Valley storage and packing facilities until mid-August, according to Art Miller, president of the firm. Miller said about 95 percent of these spuds will be shipped into Mexico, consistent with Epic’s broad business plan. He noted that by using his Epic Potato brand he is increasing domestic sales. In late August and early September,
7/19/2018

Dutch retail chain working to boost sustainability and biodiversity in the Netherlands

Dutch retailer Albert Heijn has signed a cooperation agreement with some of the Netherlands’ largest agricultural companies to enhance biodiversity around potato production in the country and boost the industry’s sustainability. The group’s vice-president for produce, canned food, flowers and plants Said Belhassan was on hand to underline its commitment during a special signing ceremony, joining representatives from leading potato companies.
7/19/2018

Pesticide ban looming in the EU: Will diquat, thiram and pymetrozine be lost early 2019?

According to a news item published by the National Farmers Union (NFU) in the UK, the pesticides diquat, thiram and pymetrozine look set to be lost as a vote on pesticides legislation in a Brussel’s Appeal Committee last week delivered a ‘no opinion’ position. this decision will have significant implications for potato production in the UK. Diquat is much more effective than other available alternatives. Pymetrozine is an important insecticide which is used by most seed potato growers and in ware crops.
7/18/2018

Potato prices in Ireland ‘set to soar’ as yields face up to 50% drop

The price of potatoes “will be significantly higher this year” according to the Country Crest co-founder, Michael Hoey. Speaking to AgriLand, Hoey explained that as a result of the difficult year – which has led to the potato crop performing poorly – he believes “potatoes will go over the €500/box mark”.
7/18/2018

‘When it comes to soil testing, we’ve only scratched the surface’

Remi Schmaltz is CEO of Decisive Farming, a Canadian software program for farms offering precision agronomics, data management, crop marketing, and telematics services. In a recent article published on Agfunder.com, Schmaltz writes about soil analysis, where it started, and how it’s changing. “Soil analysis know-how has grown by leaps and bounds,” he writes.
7/18/2018

The mustard cure: Potato growers fight potato pests and boost yield with mustard crop

Potato growers in the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island (PEI) say they’ve planted more mustard than ever in 2018. They’re finding the bright yellow crop does more than fight wireworms — it also gives them a nice bump in potato yields in fields where mustard was planted first. “We have a bit of a problem with wireworm out in this area, as do a lot of areas, and this seems to be giving us some help with that,” said potato grower Hans Wilting. “It’s also giving some good results on some other diseases too, soil-borne diseases. And as a rotational crop, it’s adding a lot to the soil.”
7/18/2018

Skin deep is great: The underrated nutritional value of potato skins

Potatoes are filling, delicious, and an incredibly diverse ingredient, which has made them a staple in plant-based diets. This is mainly due to the symbiotic and highly nutritious relationship between the potato meat, or ‘flesh’, and the potato skin. Potatoes are filling and versatile and the flesh offers a wide range of vitamins and minerals, as well as healthy carbs. Yet, potato skins are completely underrated. When it comes to the nutrition facts, what the meat lacks the skin provides and vice versa, including essential nutrients.
7/17/2018

HZPC: Growing demand for organic potatoes encourages breeding

Organic potatoes are on the rise, especially now that the large supermarkets have embraced the product. But what to do against the dreaded disease Phytophthora? ‘The market share of organic products is growing rapidly. There are now only a handful of varieties available that are resistant to late blight. However, the ‘technical’ restriction of these varieties is that they contain only one resistance gene. Breeder Peter Vos of HZPC is concerned.
7/17/2018

Canada: Newtec potato grader simultaneously sort by quality, size and shape

David Main, biologist at Agriculture and Agri-food Canada on Prince Edward Island, is evaluating a new potato grader for potatoes this year. The machine is a Celox-P-UHD from Newtec. Main says a number of potato growers on Prince Edward Island are using Newtec’s Celox sorting machines now. The grader is designed to sort potatoes by size, shape and quality in a single-stage process. It sorts washed potatoes directly, eliminating the need for pre-grading and minimising the need for manual labor.
7/17/2018

CIP study: Poor quality seed, bacterial wilt holding back higher potato yields in Africa

According to FAO statistics, potato production in Africa tripled from 1994 through 2011, from 8 to 24 million metric tons, but largely due to the increase of cropping area. A six month online doen by the International Potato Center (CIP) survey outlined twelve most important yield gap challenges out of an initial list of thirty. Poor quality seedwas the top-ranked yield gap cause identified by survey respondents, followed by bacterial wilt.
7/17/2018

Next best thing after mother's milk: Potato based infant formula

Nestle has applied for a patent for an infant formula based on potato protein microparticles. The company presents it as a naturally hypoallergenic infant formula that is suitable for infants with cow?s milk protein allergy. The Nestle patent describes an infant formula based on potato protein, which is naturally absent in the major allergens found in milk and soy. Accordingly, the described product may provide a naturally hypoallergenic infant formula that is suitable for infants with cow?s milk protein allergy.
7/12/2018

IPM: A powerful tool that offers protection for potato growers

Growers who practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM) can positively impact their crop production and their bottom line. Integrated strategies offer the strongest protection for potato growers, who need a complete plan for combating every element that threatens their crop. Managing obvious threats like insects, nematodes, diseases, and weeds are often at the forefront of IPM tactics, but taking steps to monitor water management and crop rotation are also important in keeping potatoes healthy and in maximizing yield and quality.
7/12/2018

Potatoey wrap: Printing specialist introduces eco-friendly magazine wrap made from potato starch

Birmingham-based direct mail fulfilment and print management services provider bakergoodchild has introduced a compostable and eco-friendly magazine polywrap produced from potato starch from waste potatoes. The biodegradable mailing wrapping material is being used by a number of bakergoodchild customers. The decomposable magazine packaging wrapper carries no oil-based materials, plastics or harmful toxins.
7/12/2018

Translating research into usable ideas: Strategic Farm water trials have ?helped me sleep at night?, says potato grower

Trials on water use completed at Elveden Farms in the UK as part of AHDB?s Farm Excellence programme have enabled Farms Director Andrew Francis to react with more accuracy during this summer?s heatwave. This was the verdict he delivered when addressing over 100 visitors to the farm for the Strategic Farm East Open Day on Thursday last week (5 July). ?I don?t think any of us are sleeping very well at the moment, given the conditions, but the work we did last year has helped me get some sleep,? he said.
7/12/2018

All about sustainability: Lamb Weston / Meijer supports potato growers with sustainable development plan

Sustainable potato production with healthy yields. This is the objective with which Lamb Weston / Meijer wants to support the company?s contract growers. This is why the Dutch based potato processor developed a comprehensive ?Sustainable Agriculture? plan in collaboration with the Center for Agriculture and Environment (CLM) in the Netherlands, which is now being turned into practice in collaboration with contract growers. The Sustainable Agriculture plan was launched this year in the Netherlands and will be rolled out internationally in the coming years.
7/12/2018

British potato farmers fear yields will be hit as mercury rises

Robert Strathern, who farms at Wormingford, near Colchester, said preliminary investigations suggest his early crop of potatoes, which he may begin harvesting as early as next week (July 9 onwards), could be down by 25 to 30% on the average. Like many farmers, he has faced a prolonged period of hot weather with no rain. ?Potatoes are the main crop we grow,? he said.
7/8/2018

Bookmaker ?Paddy Power? takes bets on Irish potato shortages

With the ongoing heatwave in Ireland, the lack of rain could potentially have an effect on Irish food production, in particular on the potato supply. There are indications that the price of fruit and vegetables could begin to rise as early as next week. Amid warnings from the likes of the Irish Farmers? Association (IFA), Irish bookmakers Paddy Power are now placing good odds on a potato shortage to hit Ireland soon.
7/8/2018

Useful publication: Guide to investing in a post-harvest line

If you are considering investing in a post-harvest processing line, this guide will make the process easier. It is not exhaustive, but will help you understand the process so you can find the perfect solution for your business. The Guide is published by Wyma, based in New Zealand.
7/8/2018

Potato early dying disease: A major yield-limiting factor in Canada

Potato early dying (PED) is also known as early die and early maturity wilt. This disease is endemic in many fields with a long history of potato production, writes Dr Khalil Al-Mughrabi, potato specialist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in New Brunswick province.
7/7/2018

PAA to meet in Boise

Idaho will host the Potato Association of America?s 102nd annual meeting, from July 22 to 26 at the Boise Centre in Boise. With a membership of over 500 individuals and 20 organizations, the association is comprised of potato industry personnel and growers, private and public potato researchers and university research and extension researchers.
7/7/2018

New Chairman of Belgapom calls for better coordination of potato chain, founding of inter-branch organisation

The annual general meeting of Belgapom, the Belgian potato trade and processing industry association, has appointed Marc Van Herreweghe as its chairman. He succeeds Marc Seru who in accordance with the articles of association was not available for re-election after two terms of 3 years. Marc Van Herreweghe is the CEO of the family-owned potato processing company Mydibel in Mouscron.
7/7/2018

McCain NZ pilot programme puts the power into potatoes

The humble potato is in for a shocking multi-million dollar makeover in New Zealand. An industry pilot programme worth almost $16.8 million, is being trialled at McCain Foods in Washdyke, Timaru, in what has been described as ?electrocuting potatoes?. The three month test of the new Pulsed Electric Field Technology (PEF) machine, from Germany, began in Timaru on Wednesday and involves industrial-scale food processing of the popular french fry.
7/7/2018

Consumer trends put spotlight on blemish diseases

It?s not a surprise that the market for colored potato varieties, (red and yellows as well as fingerlings) has been on the rise in the last several years. What may be less obvious are the effects those market trends have on managing diseases. In the Red River Valley that means being more vigilant for blemish diseases like silver scurf.
7/6/2018

UK facing ?crisp crisis? as ?potato crops wrecked by Beast from the East and blistering heatwave?

We have already been told beer and soft drinks could run out due to a CO2 shortage. And now, we are facing a ?crisp crisis?, it is reported. The head of a leading independent crisp makers has warned the heatwave ? following on from the Beast from the East last winter ? has played havoc with potato crops. Alex Albone, co-founder of Pipers Crisps, issued the warning just weeks after concerns over beer and soft drinks running out after Europe was hit by a carbon dioxide shortage.
7/6/2018

Ireland?s potato prices to rise as weather affects yields

Consumers face increasing potato prices as the weather causes havoc with this year?s crop. A combination of the snow and blizzard conditions in February and March, the ongoing heatwave, and a dearth of rain will seriously affect crop yields, according to farmers. Eddie Doyle, of the potato committee of the Irish Farmers? Association (IFA), told the Irish Independent that potatoes had to be planted late this year.
7/5/2018

US frozen potato exports up 8% in April; fresh exports down 33%

According to data released by Potatoes USA, exports of frozen potato products increased 8% in volume and 9% in value in April 2018 compared to April 2017. Dehy exports were up 21% in volume and 21% in value. Fresh exports were down 33% in volume and 13% in value. Frozen exports are up 1% for the July ? June marketing year through April, with dehy up 5% year to date and fresh up 5% for the marketing year.
7/5/2018

Northern Ireland farmers hoping for rain as heatwave threatens to destroy crops

Farmers in Northern Ireland say they are praying for rain to avoid a disastrous harvest. The extended heatwave ? which could last for another fortnight ? is continuing to cause problems. Yesterday Armagh Observatory said it had recorded the warmest June since 1846. And June 27 saw the hottest temperatures ever noted by the observatory since it started taking daily measurements in 1795.
7/5/2018

UNIKA welcomes PotatoEurope back in Germany for the 2018 event

During a recent public address in Frankfurt, the Deputy Chairman of the German potato industry union (Union der Deutschen Kartoffelwirtschaft e.V. ? UNIKA), Dr. Heinrich B�hm, said: ?We look forward to having PotatoEurope back in Germany in 2018 at Rittergut Bockerode, near Hanover, and feel UNIKA is an ideal partner for this leading technical trade fair for the potato industry. At the event, we will offer a central starting point for visitors, and will powerfully present the German potato industry.?
7/5/2018

Belgium: Potato vending machines sprouting up in small villages

Potatoes occupy an exalted position in the cuisine of West Flanders. But what if you need some spuds after hours? Well, you?re in luck?rural Belgium has you covered. Vending machines have sprouted up in small villages around the countryside, where anyone can purchase potatoes and onions around the clock.
7/3/2018

US: Consumer trends puts spotlight on blemish diseases

New print magazine aimed at the global potato industry announced

A new print magazine aimed at the international potato industry will be published in early September this year. The magazine will be titled ?Global Potato News?. We are interested then to hear from individuals and companies who might want to submit an article, or place an advertisement in the magazine.
7/3/2018

Canada: Kenyan delegation given up-close look at Prince Edward Island potato industry

A delegation from Kenya is turning to the potato industry in P.E.I. to help develop their important crop back home. ?We?ve been told big stories about potato production in Canada, especially in Prince Edward Island,?? says Kiraitu Murungi, governor of Meru County, the top producer of potatoes in Kenya. ?So, we thought this was the best place for us to come for a study tour of potatoes.??
7/3/2018

International potato industry returns to Germany for PotatoEurope 2018

PotatoEurope 2018, the event for the international potato industry, returns to Germany on 12th and 13th September. PotatoEurope , which is an annual exhibition, is held in Germany every four years. This top trade fair for potato professionals, organized by the DLG (German Agricultural Society) in cooperation with the German Potato Industry Union (UNIKA), will again take place this year at Rittergut Bockerode Estate in Springe-Mittelrode, near Hanover.
7/2/2018

Upbeat: Canadian potato growers feeling cautiously optimistic this season

Potato growers across Canada are reportedly feeling optimistic this season as increased demand for their product has created some newfound enthusiasm. The economic crash of 2008 reduced demand for Canadian spuds in some markets and the industry struggled to regain its lost footing. With the 2018 growing season well under way, there now seems to be a renewed sense of optimism among many Canadian potato growers. Kevin MacIsaac, general manager of the United Potato Growers of Canada (UPGC), says the increase is largely attributable to processing companies like McCain and Simplot expanding their production lines in this country.
6/26/2018