News
WSU doctoral candidate wins $10,000 Potato LEAF scholarship
Hannah Johnson, a doctoral candidate at Washington State University, has received the $10,000 Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) 2025-26 academic scholarship. The annual scholarship, awarded to a graduate studen... more
Nine members appointed to Michigan Potato Industry Commission
Nine members have been appointed to the Michigan Potato Industry Commission. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced numerous board and commission appointments last month. MPIC appointments include: Kali Bagley, of Waterford, is a general manager at ... more
NPC: Ag labor solutions require work but are attainable
Our nation’s capital is a busy place for our industry now, as several key agricultural labor issues are making waves. As always, the National Potato Council has been working closely with Congress and the Trump administration to advocate for poli... more
Longtime NDSU professor of plant pathology to retire
Longtime North Dakota State University professor Gary Secor is retiring in September, punctuating a 47-year career in the potato industry. Secor, NDSU professor of plant pathology, has worked closely with the industry throughout the nation, specif... more
Research links modern-day potato to tomato plant ancestors
New international research has shed light on the origins of the modern-day potato, tracing the formation of tubers back millions of years to tomato plant ancestors. In a study published by Cell Press, researchers suggest that natural interbreeding... more
Utz Brands closing Michigan manufacturing facility
Utz Brands is shuttering its Grand Rapids, Michigan processing facility, reducing its manufacturing footprint from eight to seven primary plants. The company said in its second-quarter earnings report that the decision is expected to save money in... more
Grower nominations due this week for leadership conference
The National Potato Council (NPC) seeks grower nominations to represent the U.S. potato industry at Syngenta’s annual Leadership At Its Best conference. The conference will be Jan. 19-23, 2026, in Washington, D.C. Syngenta will cover all ... more
Labeling error prompts potato product recall in 5 states
Hans Kissle is voluntarily recalling 66 units of its Red Potato Bliss Salad because of an undeclared wheat allergen in a labeling error. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to wheat run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic... more
Regional reports provide nationwide retail insight
A new Potatoes USA analysis provides regional insights into retail sales in eight U.S. markets. The reports are part of a national effort by the national potato board to increase engagement and collaboration with retailers. “This initiative is a... more
Potato LEAF accepting leadership institute applications until Oct. 17
The Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) is accepting applications for the 2026 Leadership Institute until Oct. 17. The institute provides tools to help growers and industry members develop as leaders and motivate... more
