Potato News from Northern America

In Alberta, late blight occurs infrequently, but can have devastating impacts in the years when it reaches epidemic levels.

Postmenopausal women who eat foods higher in potassium [such as potatoes; PotatoPro] are less likely to have strokes or to die from any cause than women who eat fewer potassium-rich foods, according to data from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI).

During the week of August 26, the National Potato Council (NPC) led a delegation of 19 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) staff on a crop tour of New Jersey’s potato growing region.

Showing its support for one of the most popular fundraisers ever, the Idaho Potato Commission’s (IPC) Great Big Idaho® Potato Truck nominated the Florida Department of Citrus, Washington Apples, and Georgia Peaches to accept the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

Continued wet August weather has caused late blight infections to proliferate throughout Eastern Idaho, according to University of Idaho Extension potato pathologist Phil Nolte.

The value of all U.S. potato exports was $1,755,544,515 for the recently completed July 2013 – June 2014 marketing year. This is a 7% increase over the previous record set in 2012/13.

The United States Potato Board (USPB) is pleased to announce Kim Breshears has joined its staff as Marketing Programs Director in the Denver office. She started her new role August 18, 2014.

The potato crop in New Brunswick has recovered from a late start and is 'looking extremely good right now', according to Potatoes New Brunswick executive director Matt Hemphill in an article published in the Bugle-Observer

Life Choice, a brand of ConAgra Foods, Inc. (NYSE: CAG), has introduced Delight Bites, a puffed, multi-grain snack that’s light, crispy and loaded with taste.

The Dutch potato cooperative Agrico has recently purchased more shares in its joint investment Parkland Seed Potatoes Ltd, granting it a majority stake in this Canadian seed potato company.

The National Potato Council (NPC) is pleased to award Washington Luis da Silva, a plant pathology Ph.D. student at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., its 2014-15 Academic Scholarship.

The red fields of Prince Edward Island are renowned for growing potatoes. Fred Dollar’s decision to grow organic potatoes is built on that reputation.

The Potato Association of America’s new president says the organization aims to provide the industry with the best research and information available. Andy Jensen took over as president of the research organization in July.

Cae el consumo por la competencia de alimentos supuestamente más sanos y por el menor tiempo disponible para cocinar.

An agreement was reached today to create the world’s third largest quick service restaurant company. Tim Hortons Inc. (TSX, NYSE: THI) and Burger King Worldwide Inc. (NYSE: BKW) today announced a definitive agreement under which the two companies will create a new global powerhouse in the quick service restaurant sector.

Saratoga Chips, America’s first kettle chip, has achieved strong growth since new owners purchased the company in the summer of 2013.

Potandon Produce is stepping up to take the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and make a donation to the ALS Association. Steve Ottum, COO at Potandon threw down the gauntlet.

“Research released on sodium and cardiovascular disease in today’s [August 14] New England Journal of Medicine adds to the national discussion of sodium's role in the American diet,” says Snack Food Association (SFA) CEO Tom Dempsey.