News on The Potato Supply Chain

En la región de Nariño, frontera con Ecuador, la crisis de los productores es total. El contrabando, la sobre oferta, los costos, todo conspira para el debacle de la producción. Se reclama respaldo y protección.

El aumento de la oferta en los principales mercados ha hecho que los precios de la variedad Agata bajen. Se espera que conforme siga avanzando la cosecha, la tendencia a la baja en los precios se mantenga.

Se trata de un cultivo que puede rastrear su origen genético ininterrumpido al Peru del siglo XVII. Hoy, debido a las inclemencias del tiempo y la desprotección económica, su continuidad se encuentra en jaque.

Potatoes in Practice, the UK’s biggest field potato event, is on 7 August at Balruddery Farm. Hosted by James Hutton Institute, it brings growers, researchers, and industry leaders together to share innovations and advance the potato sector.

UPL Corp and CERSA at NC State University hosted the Global Mancozeb Summit at Rothamsted Research, UK, gathering global experts to discuss mancozeb’s vital role in crop protection as the EU prepares to review its regulatory status.

The 2025 Fight Against Blight campaign begins with new tools to track late blight in UK potatoes, warning of evolving fungicide resistance and urging growers to stay vigilant.

Robots in potato farming help ease labor shortages, cut costs, and boost yields by automating tasks like planting and harvesting. Paired with smart tools like crop monitoring, they improve efficiency, reduce waste, and support sustainable farming.

Cavendish Farms is launching a sustainability project on Prince Edward Island to help potato growers adopt eco-friendly practices, focusing on water use, pest control, and soil health. A farm advisory group will guide research and share results with local farmers.

Chad Hutchinson of TriCal Group joins the World Potato Congress Inc. Board as a Director. A global expert in potato research and soil health, he brings decades of experience supporting growers and advancing crop production worldwide.

Europatat held its annual General Assembly meeting June 12 in Lille (France). Members have elected a new Board to lead the association for the coming year and welcome Francisco Moya as Treasurer.

El gobierno ha emitido una alerta por presencia de mildii (phytophtpra infestans) en varias parcelas de la región. Se recomienda cautela y prevención para controlar la situación.

Se propone establecer un precio mínimo para el productor que no pueda estar debajo de 1,05 euros, una disposición que se podría introducir en la ley de la cadena alimentaria

Si bien las exportaciones de semilla aumentaron mucho entre 2024 y 2025, el resultado de los negocios no fue bueno en todos los destinos. En el caso de Uruguay, la presencia del virus PVY fue altísima.

United States potato exports fell 4% in volume and 1% in value (July 2024–March 2025), mainly due to lower dehydrated and chip exports. Frozen, fresh, and seed exports rose, with strong gains in Japan, Taiwan, and Guatemala despite China-India competition.

WPC Inc. announces leadership changes: Nora Olsen, Jang Sangha, and Martin Acosta retire, with Greg Donald named Vice President and Brian Douglas appointed Treasurer as preparations begin for the 2026 Congress in Kenya.

United States seed potato exports grew strongly in the Americas, with new markets in Panama, Nicaragua, and Uruguay. Potatoes USA trials expand reach in Cuba, Honduras, and the Caribbean, while new export opportunities emerge in West Africa.

Dr. Neeraj Sharma has been appointed as CIP's Country Manager for India, effective June 9, 2025. A veteran in potato R&D, he will lead strategy, partnerships, and operations to boost sustainable agriculture and food security in India.

More than 65 skilled workers are being sought by leading potato supplier Branston for its Lincolnshire site, as a result of its successful expansion plans.