Archives: News
Late blight discovered in Michigan potato field
Late blight has been discovered in a single potato field in Michigan, and farmers are being encouraged to be extra vigilant when scouting their fields.
Contest celebrates National Potato Day by putting mashed potatoes in spotlight
Mashed potato company Idahoan and the Idaho Potato Commission have launched a contest to celebrate National Potato Day on Aug. 19.
Research project seeks common potato pest
The University of Minnesota Crookston is seeking Colorado potato beetles to conduct resistance bioassays.
New AEWR rates mean increases in many states
Widespread H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWR) increases are set for 2026-2027 despite changes to the wage calculations.
China suspends seed potato imports from countries affected by zebra chip disease
China has suspended imports of seed potatoes from countries affected by zebra chip disease, including the United States.
Announcements of committee chairs complete Potatoes USA board
Potatoes USA’s 2026–2027 board of directors is complete, with chairs of committees including production and market development joining new board chair Dave Masser in leadership roles.
Farm bill fails to advance out of Senate committee
The Senate Agriculture Committee failed to advance its version of the farm bill on Aug. 6, with the legislation failing 10-11 amid disagreement over SNAP cuts.
Budget measure includes $12B in specialty crop relief
A $95 billion budget reconciliation measure measure that narrowly passed the U.S. House last week allocates up to $12 billion in relief for the strained farm economy.
USDA initiative calls on participants to help translate germplasm data
An initiative by USDA is calling on universities and stakeholders to help build AI tools to help translate germplasm data.
Maine Potato Board recognizes 18-year contributor
Potato industry veteran George McLaughlin has been recognized by the Maine Potato Board for his 18 years of service.
AgroLiquid expands distribution network with new Florida facility
Liquid fertilizer company AgroLiquid has opened a new facility in Florida, expanding its manufacturing and distribution network.
Deal with German snack company to take Utz private
Potato chip manufacturer Utz Brands Inc. is going private, with German company Intersnack Group buying all of the salty snack company’s public stock.
North Dakota ag research group elects new chair; 74% of state crop blooming
The North Dakota State Board of Agricultural Research and Education (SBARE) elected a new chair and new members at its June 9 meeting.
Agristo becomes newest member of Potato Sustainability Alliance
Belgian potato processor Agristo, which broke ground on its $450 million North Dakota processing facility July 7, has joined the Potato Sustainability Alliance.
NPC to fill trio of seats on Potato Sustainability Alliance board
The National Potato Council has three designated voting board seats to be held by growers representing the U.S. potato industry on the Potato Sustainability Alliance board of directors.
Belgian potato processor holds official groundbreaking for North Dakota site
A 350-acre North Dakota production site for Belgian potato producer Agristo held its official groundbreaking on July 7.