Driving sustainability from the ground up
At a time when every acre must work harder — economically and environmentally — the future of sustainable potato production may lie inside every potato.
Advances in variety development are opening new doors to improved yields, reduced input use and stronger supply-chain resilience. But to capture that potential, the industry must move beyond old narratives and align around education, collaboration and trust.
That was the central message from the “Variety Development and Selection in Sustainability” panel at the 2025 Potato Sustainability Alliance (PSA) Summer Symposium, where breeders, growers, processors and buyers discussed how innovation can help define the next era of sustainable potatoes. Panelists included Cavendish Farms’ Newton Yorinori, HZPC’s Aron Derbidge, Potatoes USA’s John Lundeen, McDonald’s Amanda Marti and moderator and PSA CEO John Mesko.
EXPANDING THE GROWER’S TOOLBOX
Panelists agreed that modern variety development holds some of the greatest untapped potential to drive measurable sustainability.
“Varieties are the foundation for everything we do in the field,” one speaker noted. “When we improve genetics, we improve sustainability at scale.”
New genetic engineering (GE) and genetic modification (GM) technologies are already demonstrating dramatic benefits. The Mountain Gem Russet variety, for example, uses roughly one-third less nitrogen, matures earlier and delivers 30% higher yields in Prince Edward Island, Canada alone, compared with standard cultivars. For growers, that translates to stronger profitability and a smaller environmental footprint.
But technology alone isn’t enough. As the panelists emphasized, growers must have access to modern genetic tools to remain competitive and sustainable. That means rethinking how the industry approaches breeding, biotechnology and regulation — and ensuring these tools are available and understood across the entire value chain.
Organizations such as PSA, Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE) and Potatoes USA are helping through alignment on education and messaging to ensure consistency across research, production and retail channels. A unified, fact-based narrative can help buyers, consumers and policymakers understand the value of modern breeding techniques.
CONSUMER NEEDS AND MARKET SHIFTS
The conversation also turned to the shifting dynamics of consumer demand and the disconnects that can occur along the way. Breeders innovate, growers adapt, processors seek consistency and retailers respond to consumers who increasingly want cheaper and more sustainable products without compromising on taste, texture or shelf life.
“Growers often feel left out of the development process,” one panelist said. “We need better feedback loops so breeders and buyers understand what’s happening in our fields.”
Education is key to shrinking this gap. Helping consumers and buyers see how breeding connects to sustainability goals — such as reduced inputs, reduced waste and improved climate resilience — can reframe how potatoes are valued in the marketplace.
The market is already showing signs of diversification. Russet Burbank remains a dominant variety, but buyers are now more open to alternative and regionally adapted varieties. That shift reflects growing acceptance of innovation and recognition that sustainability requires flexibility in both genetics and market expectations.
COLLABORATION ACROSS THE VALUE CHAIN
Collaboration emerged as another recurring theme during the discussion. From breeders and growers to processors, retailers and food-service partners, variety development touches every link in the potato value chain. PSA is uniquely positioned to convene these stakeholders to discuss how new breeding and gene-editing technologies can accelerate sustainability.
“Consistency in messaging is critical,” Mesko said. “When we speak with one voice on what these technologies are and what they achieve, we strengthen trust across the industry.”
Strategic partnerships also help overcome the proprietary nature of variety development. Many breeding programs are protected by intellectual property rights, which can complicate data sharing and collaboration. By fostering open dialogue, PSA and its members can align interests and focus on shared sustainability outcomes rather than competitive barriers.
OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD
While the potential is clear, so are the challenges. Public perception and marketing remain significant hurdles. The industry must find ways to shape the sustainability narrative, emphasizing the tangible benefits of biotechnology for the environment, growers and consumers alike.
“For example, a standardized framework for evaluating the sustainability attributes of new varieties would go a long way to bringing that conversation forward,” Mesko said.
Ultimately, the future of potato sustainability depends on innovation informed by non-competitive collaboration. Whether through advanced breeding, precision agriculture or digital tools that connect genetics to outcomes, every stakeholder has a role to play.
As one panelist said: “Sustainability isn’t just about what we take out of the soil — it’s about what we put back through better genetics, smarter practices and stronger partnerships.”
