News
New Fox Packaging options feature PCR content
Fox Packaging has introduced flexible packaging options featuring up to 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content for produce including potatoes. The packaging is available across select poly, combo and stand-up pouch products. PCR — material... more
End of shutdown means funding for USDA, potato industry programs
The end of the 43-day U.S. government shutdown allows for full funding of the USDA and the Food and Drug Administration through the end of fiscal year 2026 (Sept. 30). A measure passed last week reopening the government ends disputes concerning SN... more
Potato LEAF selects 2026 Leadership Institute class
The Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) has selected participants for its 2026 Leadership Institute class. The 10-day program, to be held Feb. 18-27, participants will receive an overview of the local and nationa... more
EarthFresh expands distribution of Butter Potatoes product line
EarthFresh has expanded its Butter Potatoes line across the U.S., with distribution of the new varieties also ramping up in Canada. The varieties — Butter Golds, Butter Reds and Butter Russets — are the product of more than a decade of researc... more
Michigan growers reminded to register by Jan. 1
Michigan potato growers are reminded to register with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) by Jan. 1. Under the Seed Potato Act, all farms growing potatoes in combined seed lots of one acre or more must notify MDARD... more
PepsiCo closing pair of Frito-Lay facilities in Florida
PepsiCo is closing two Frito-Lay facilities in Orlando, Florida, in moves that will affect 500 employees. According to Florida’s Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notice website, the company terminated 454 employees at its... more
Comment on Michigan specialty crop funding priorities now being accepted
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) will accept public comment on funding priorities for Michigan's 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program until Nov. 28. Input will be considered when developing final program prio... more
Harvest Bowl program to celebrate NDSU agriculture, education
The 51st annual Harvest Bowl program, to be held Nov. 14-15 at North Dakota State University, will include a dinner and awards program, educational sessions and the Harvest Bowl football clash between NDSU and Northern Iowa. The dinner and awards ... more
Mexican potato growers strike to protest US competition
This past week, Mexican potato growers engaged in a national strike against competition from the U.S., demanding that their government block imports. Growers called for an immediate end to the legal importation of fresh potatoes from the U.S. as p... more
Labor Department to resume processing of H-2A applications
The U.S. Department of Labor will resume processing H-2A and H-2B applications, activity designated essential during the government shutdown. The National Potato Council (NPC) and the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) were among agric... more
