Potato News from Northern America

Americans are cutting back on Doritos, Goldfish and Hostess cakes. It’s not for their health, however – it’s a sign that even small indulgences have gotten too expensive for many to afford.

Diploid potatoes are quickly becoming the stud spuds for breeding new commercial potato varieties. Wild diploid potatoes have 2 copies of each chromosome in their DNA, unlike more traditional tetraploid potatoes, like Russet Burbank, which have 4 copies of each chromosome.

Agriculture is growing in Canada’s North with new collaborations and technologies. AAFC scientist Dr. Julia Wheeler led research on season extension for potatoes and green beans in northern communities. The study focused on soil health, pest management, and improving food security.

Naturally Homegrown Foods in Surrey, British Columbia, produces Hardbite — a potato chip brand that’s been surging in popularity.

Andy Diercks, a fourth-generation potato farmer from the small village of Coloma in central Wisconsin, is blunt about the difficult realities facing family-owned farms today.

Egypt continues to increase its potato exports to Greece, reports EastFruit. In the MY 2023/24, over 156,000 tons of ware potatoes were imported into Greece from Egypt, valued at USD 64 million. This represents a 12% increase from the previous season and a 71% increase from the 2021/22 season, marking an all-time high.

McCain Foods, the maker of 1 in 4 fries worldwide, is making big strides towards its regenerative agriculture commitment, digging in with the aim to help combat climate change over time and secure the future of everyone’s favorite food, the golden French fry.

Gregg Halverson’s career in the potato industry started at a young age, grading potatoes with his grandfather. Family has continued to be a major theme of his career as he worked with his father and now works with his children as president and board chairman of Grand Forks, N.D.-based Black Gold Farms.

The National Potato Council (NPC) installed its 2025 roster of Executive Committee leaders this week at the organization’s annual Washington Summit. During the Annual Meeting of the Voting Delegates, Ted Tschirky of Pasco, Wash., was elected to serve as the Council’s President for the next 12 months. 

Urschel has expanded its global footprint with the opening of Urschel Canada in Vaughan, Ontario, reinforcing its commitment to providing cutting-edge food cutting solutions and enhanced customer support across the region.

With the release of the global 2024 Sustainability Report, McCain Foods continues to make progress towards its goal to provide products that are more sustainably sourced – delivering good food to consumers, while supporting the communities where it operates.

Blackfoot, Idaho, known as the "Potato Capital of the World," is home to the Idaho Potato Museum and delicious comfort food spots like Rupe’s Burgers. Visitors can enjoy potato-themed attractions, the annual Potato Festival, and outdoor adventures at Hell’s Half Acre. This underrated city offers a perfect mix of food, history, and nature.

Two local farms are joining forces for another Fill Your Boots Event, allowing Islanders to pick their own free potatoes straight from Island potato storages. The giveaway aims to build on the success of the Fill Your Boots events of the last three years.

Scientists have discovered a way to remove toxic compounds from potatoes, making them safer to eat and easier to store. The breakthrough could cut food waste and enhance crop farming in space and other extreme environments.

Friehe Farms in Washington’s Upper Columbia River Basin combines teamwork and advanced technology to produce high-quality russet potatoes. Drones, GPS-guided planting, and climate-controlled storage enhance efficiency, while traditional four-year crop rotation helps maintain soil health.

Teton Valley Brands, the maker of Real Idaho Potato Chips, has announced the expansion of its executive team. The company has appointed Steve Marek as Vice President of Operations.

The North American Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) is set to host its third webinar, titled "Storing for Success: Protecting Potato Seed & Preventing Disease," on Monday, February 24, 2025 @10am PST / 1pm EST.

Masser Family of Companies (MFC) has announced the newest team member to join their executive leadership team: Tiffany Readinger. She will serve in a newly created role, Vice President of Sales and Category Management.