News on The Potato Supply Chain from Northern America

Tracebility from Field to Fork - We all have a Stake in a Healthy Food Supply

July 16, 2014

Traceability from Field to Fork - We all have a Stake in a Healthy Food Supply

Today’s consumers desire to understand the health and nutritional benefits of the produce they buy. That’s why the Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI), an industry-wide effort aimed at creating a quick and efficient traceability process by electronically tracking produce from the farm fields to supermarket shelves, is vital.

Current temperatures in the Pacific North West (Courtesy KREM.com)

July 16, 2014

Idaho potato growers concerned about crop heat stress

Extreme heat throughout Idaho to start July has raised concerns from some potato and onion growers.

Innate potatoes show less discoloration after cutting

July 14, 2014

National Potato Council submits Comments in Support of Simplot's Innate Technology

As part of the second and final public environmental assessment comment period for the J.R. Simplot Company's petition to deregulate its biotech Innate™ 1.0 potatoes, the National Potato Council submitted comments to the Federal Register noting that the technology 'could effectively address key production and processing issues facing the potato industry.'

Potato Growers of Alberta create new research Chair at University of Lethbridge

July 14, 2014

Potato Growers of Alberta and Processors finance new research Chair at University of Lethbridge

Research capacity in Alberta’s potato industry will be significantly enhanced due to a $1 million investment in the University of Lethbridge by the Potato Growers of Alberta and the Potato Processors McCain Foods, ConAgra Lamb Weston and Cavendish Farms

July 09, 2014

Idaho potato prices down more than 40%

In the first week of June, an Idaho potato grower could expect to receive between $7.75 and $8.25 for 100 pounds of potatoes, depending on quality, according to data. In the first week of July, prices had fallen to between $4.25 and $4.75.

June 30, 2014

Profile of a Prince Edward Island Potato Farmer

You might know that Prince Edward Island potatoes are world famous and you might even know why – the iron-rich red soil exclusive to the Island. But I think that there is another reason why our potatoes are the best- the passion of our farmers.

Premier David Alward announcing the research investment (courtesy CTV News)

June 26, 2014

McCain Foods Canada receives research support of Province of New Brunswick

The provincial government of New Brunswick is investing $5 million in a research and development project at McCain Foods (Canada) which will see the company work with small and medium-sized businesses and researchers from New Brunswick to pursue process improvement, product development and soil remediation initiatives.

June 26, 2014

Warmer winters linked to increased pesticide use

In this USDA research on soybean crops, researchers find a link between minimum winter temperature and pesticide use.

June 26, 2014

Aversion to GMOs becoming driving factor to buying organic.

Among US families, avoiding GMO's is increasingly becoming one of the drivers to buy organic foods.

Nelson Cox (left) / Jared Balcom (right)

June 25, 2014

Washington State Potato Commission Elects New Leadership

The Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC) has elected its new Executive Committee. Nelson Cox was named chair of the commission

Total Water Storage Pacific North West (US Government, provisional data)

June 18, 2014

Eastern Idaho looking good for water, crops

Despite mid-winter concerns, Idaho growers are concern-free this season when it comes to moisture.

June 16, 2014

President signs into law revisions to the EPA rules supporting Maine Farmers

President Obama signed into law revisions to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules that ease compliance for farms across Maine.

Water Use Prince Edward Island (courtesy PEI Potato Board)

June 15, 2014

PEI Potato Industry says high-capacity irrigation wells needed

Two of the most powerful voices in P.E.I.s billion dollar potato industry appeared before the Legislature's agriculture committee Thursday in Charlottetown.

Mike Thornton, Ph.D. Professor Parma Research and Extension Center University of Idaho

June 13, 2014

Focus on Potato: Factors that cause Sugar Ends in Potatoes

Whether you call them glassy ends, translucent ends, dark ends, jelly ends, or something even less flattering, sugar ends are a significant issue.

2014 Rabobank Potatoes South Australia Industry Award winner

June 10, 2014

Justin Della Zoppa wins 2014 Rabobank Potatoes South Australia Industry Award

Riverland potato producer Justin Della Zoppa has been named the 2014 Rabobank Potatoes South Australia Industry Award winner.

Potato and Tomato affected by late blight

June 09, 2014

Univ. Florida Research: Late blight pathogen originates from Mexico

A University of Florida scientist has pinpointed Mexico as the origin of the pathogen that caused the 1840s Irish Potato Famine, a finding that may help researchers solve the $6 billion-a-year disease that continues to evolve and torment potato and tomato growers around the world.

Hairy Nightshade, a weed that has the potential to be problematic in potato cultivation

May 28, 2014

New 'Focus on Potato' Webcasts Tackle Hairy Nightshade, Potato Tuber Moth

Hairy nightshade and potato tuberworm (or potato tuber moth) are two economically important inhibitors to potato production. Two of the latest ‘Focus on Potato’ webcasts focus on these economically important potato pests.

May 27, 2014

Produce Marketing Association redesigns website

In response to member feedback and as part of its new strategic plan implementation, the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) unveiled its redesigned website http://www.pma.com on Tuesday, May 27.