Energy and Environment

August 20, 2018

Belgapom and VAVI respond to commotion in potato sector

The warm and dry weather of recent months has caused a commotion in the potato sector in Northern Europe. This is why representatives of both the Dutch and Belgian potato sectors came together to discuss the situation and to voice their concerns.

August 14, 2018

Potato growers propose pan-European approach to resolve contract issues with processors due to extreme weather

The North-Western European Potato Growers (NEPG) conclude that the potato production this year in North-Western Europe will be much lower than average and that quality issues will be a main challenge.

August 14, 2018

Climate-resilient spuds in focus at Potatoes in Practice 2018

Research at the James Hutton Institute has identified genetic variations which can help protect potato crop yields at high temperature, potentially providing potato breeders with a valuable tool in their quest to create varieties resilient to heat stress

August 08, 2018

Continuing drought and extreme heat a disaster for the potato harvest and processors

The extreme heat and drought is a disaster for the upcoming potato harvest. And for processors too: in Belgium, potato chips manufacturer Roger&Roger (Croky) temporarily halts production of some its flavours to manage the lack of potato supply.

August 06, 2018

Potato Processing company J.R. Simplot acquires license for CRISPR-CAS9 gene editing technology

J.R. Simplot has acquired a license for CRISPR-Cas9 and related gene editing tools. This provides Simplot with another avenue to add desirable traits to fruits and vegetables, including potatoes.

Potato company RD Offutt halts agricultural expansion in Minnesota

August 04, 2018

Potato company RD Offutt halts controversial agricultural expansion in Minnesota

RD Offutt, the largest potato producer in Minnesota, is backing away from a controversial expansion in the State just south of the Mississippi River headwaters after state regulators insisted on an environmental study of the potential contamination of groundwater.

August 03, 2018

UK potato processing companies say serious issues with potato supply 'extremely likely'

The Potato Processing companies in the United Kingdom have released a statement through the Potato Processors’ Association Ltd (PPA), expressing their concern for the impact of current weather conditions on UK potato processing sector.

August 02, 2018

UK Potato plantings down three per cent amid extreme weather conditions

The total area in Great Britain planted with potatoes is estimated at 119,000 hectares(ha), a fall of three per cent on the previous year. This would represent the third-lowest planted area on record, with an agricultural drought likely to affect yields.

July 31, 2018

México: Producen bioplástico de la cáscara de papa

Estudiantes del Instituto Politécnico Nacional de México (IPN) crearon un bioplástico a partir de la cáscara de papa, que tarda de 4-5 meses en degradarse y ayuda a reducir los residuos sólidos urbanos generados por la sociedad mexicana.

July 27, 2018

German Potato Processing Industry Association expects crop shortage due to drought

The German Association of Fruit, Vegetables and Potato Processing Industry (BOGK) expects that the potato harvest in Germany and Europe will be significantly reduced in quantity, as well as quality compared to the previous year due to the long ongoing drought and heat wave.

Sustainable Food Policy Alliance intend to change US Policies on Food and Farming

July 12, 2018

Sustainable Food Policy Alliance to drive progress in US Policies on Food and Farming

Four of the largest food companies in the United States have launched the Sustainable Food Policy Alliance, a new organization focused on driving progress in public policies that shape what people eat and how it impacts their health, communities, and the planet.

Extreme drought might impact European Potato crop growing on a slightly increased acreage

July 11, 2018

Drought might impact European potato production more than slightly increased acreage

Total potato production in North-western Europe will be mostly determined by yield, as extreme drought plagues the crop, growing on a one percent larger acreage

July 10, 2018

Pulsed Electric Field in Potato Processing: Impact on Sustainability

A recent study on the impact of Pulsed Electric Field treatment (PEF) in the potato processing industry has shown substantial benefits in comparison to the regular process using conventional pre-heaters.

July 04, 2018

Colombia: La mayor amenaza para los páramos es la papa

Este tipo de cultivos es nocivo para el suelo por los químicos que utiliza.

Number of international exhibitors at Potato Europe 2018 increasing

July 02, 2018

More international exhibitors signing up for Potato Europe 2018

PotatoEurope 2018, one of the top events for the international potato industry, returns to Germany on September 12 and 13.

June 15, 2018

McDonald's announces it's working to ditch Plastic Straws

McDonald’s restaurants in the UK and Ireland will complete transition to paper straws in 2019; In Belgium the QSR chain is testing alternatives to plastic straws and trials are planned in the United States, France, Sweden, Norway and Australia later this year.

June 10, 2018

World Potato Congress highlights scientific advances

Tubers were the talk of the town in Cusco, Peru during the week of May 27, when the 10th World Potato Congress (WPC) and the 28th Congress of the Latin American Potato Association (ALAP) were held together for the first time.

May 21, 2018

Free-from foods: a global trend and its headache for food manufacturers

More and more consumers demand 'free-from' foods. The trend has been steadily rising over the past decade, following a global call for more natural ingredients.