News
Bill would repeal licensing requirement for Michigan wholesale potato dealers
A Michigan bill that would repeal a 1964 rule that requires wholesale potato dealers to purchase licensing is scheduled to be discussed Oct. 30 during a House Agriculture Committee hearing. House Bill 4882, introduced by House Ag Committee Chair... more
Companies form new biorational solutions organization
Valent BioSciences, MGK, and Valent North America have formed a new biorational solutions company in an effort to streamline innovations and speed the delivery of innovations to market. Sumitomo Biorational Co. (SBC), a subsidiary of Sumitomo Chem... more
Investigation to probe Chinese trade practices
As President Donald Trump left for a tour of Asia last week, his administration announced a trade investigation into China’s apparent failure to uphold the terms of the Phase One trade deal signed in 2020. The Office of the United States Trade R... more
Roundtable to highlight role of women in potato industry
A full slate of discussions and networking at Potato Expo 2026 will include a roundtable of three women making an industry impact hosted by Spudman magazine. “From Field to Future: Women Transforming the Potato Industry” will take place from 1... more
Potato trade talks part of sitdown between trade rep, senators
International potato trade was a topic on the table during a private lunch Oct. 15 between U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and a group of senators. According to Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), potatoes were a “significant topic,” along wit... more
UK agritech investor acquires crop management and sprout control company
Produce Investments (PI), a U.K.-based investment company focused on potato growing, crop storage and agritech innovation, has acquired fixed crop management and sprout control company Biofresh Safestore. Biofresh Safestore provides fixed installa... more
Applications now open for 2026 MPIC scholarship
The application period for the Michigan Potato Industry Commission (MPIC)’s 2026 scholarship is now open. Applications must be received by Jan. 7, 2026. Applicants must be enrolled as a full-time student at a post-secondary educational instituti... more
Report: US potato crop to experience minimal reduction in 2025
The U.S. potato crop can expect a minimal reduction for 2025, according to a report compiled by North American Potato Market News (NAPMN) for the Michigan Potato Industry Commission (MPIC). The forecast of 421 million cwt nearly equals the 2024 cr... more
Chefs sample U of I’s potato expertise in reverse trade mission
Thirty-one chefs from throughout the world recently toured a new laboratory at University of Idaho (U of I)’s Parma Research and Extension Center, witnessing how cutting-edge research contributes to Idaho potatoes’ famous quality. The chefs, m... more
NDSU seeking samples of diseased tubers for survey
North Dakota State University wants your diseased potato plants. The university’s department of plant pathology is conducting a survey of pink rot and leak pathogens.
