News
Rising California potato production reflects nationwide trend
After a four-year decline in potato production nationwide, this season’s crop appears poised to buck the trend, spurred by strong demand and improved water supplies. While higher processing contract prices are driving much of the increased acrea... more
Irrigation show to feature 200-plus companies, latest technology
A major irrigation show will delve into the latest water conservation technology in November. The 2023 Irrigation Show and Education Week is scheduled for Nov. 27-Dec. 1 at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. Thousan... more
Fresh potato access to Japan topic of bilateral plant health meetings
In advance of this week’s bilateral plant health meetings in Japan, National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles re-emphasized the importance of opening the Japanese market to exports of U.S. fresh potatoes. Full market access was expected to be a fo... more
USDA pilot program aims to address agricultural workforce challenges
A new USDA pilot program is designed to address workforce challenges farmers and ranchers face. The Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program is providing up to $65 million in grants, according to a news release. The program is part... more
Solynta names new CEO, plans commercial varieties introduction
Dutch hybrid potato breeder Solynta has named a new CEO and announced plans to introduce its first commercial varieties in 2024. Peter Poortinga joined the company as CEO on Sept. 15, succeeding Hein Kruyt, who cofounded Solynta in 2007. Kruyt wil... more
World Potato Congress adds Potatoes USA CEO to board
The World Potato Congress has added Potatoes USA CEO Blair Richardson as the newest member of its board of directors.
Research team takes steps toward understanding late blight resistance
All over the world, huge quantities of crop protection agents are sprayed to control potato blight (Phytophthora infestans). The mechanisms of resistance of potatoes need to be better understood to make growing this crop more sustainable. Research... more
Sustainability reporting to take center stage at IFPA conference
As the sustainable agriculture movement gains momentum, growers, shippers, processors and other industry stakeholders are joining forces to address the challenges of effective sustainability reporting. One Single Yardstick — Sustainability Repo... more
Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance endorses legislation
The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance has endorsed three pieces of legislation addressing priorities tied to research, nutrition and trade outlined in the group’s 2023 Farm Bill recommendations. The SCFBA is a national coalition of more than 200... more
Meetings to focus on full access to Japanese market for US fresh potatoes
Ongoing efforts to open the Japanese market to all U.S. fresh potatoes continue Sept. 25-29 with representatives from USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service conducting bilateral plant health meetings. National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarl... more
