Potato News from Washington

Fresh-market potato growers in Washington and Oregon may not know what their 2015-16 crop will look like until they start harvesting, which should be a week or two earlier than usual.

Key Technology introduces its enhanced Rotary Sizing and Grading Systems, which includes its popular Sliver Sizer Remover, Precision Size Grader and Rotary Size Grader.

Key Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTEC) announced today sales and operating results for its fiscal 2015 second quarter, ended March 31, 2015.

Key Technology announces the launch of its redesigned corporate website at www.key.net.

Key Technology announces the expansion of its global customer service and support.

The Washington State Potato Commission has hired a new director of industry outreach, Matthew Blua

Columbia Basin potato processors slowed down during the West Coast port impasse, making fewer potatoes into french fries, hash browns and other potato products shipped around the world.

Key Technology announces the availability of Information Analytics, a powerful suite of software capabilities embedded within Key’s digital sorters.

Once again, the Washington State Potato Commission and Oregon Potato Commission have joined forces in the planning and execution of the 2015 Washington/Oregon Potato Conference, Jan. 27-29.

Agricultural Research Service scientists have bred and released colorful new potato varieties. Some have relatively high levels of beneficial red-to-purple pigments called “anthocyanins,” and others have high levels of yellow-pigmented carotenoids

The innovative Dutch company Pulsemaster introduces a new generation PEF (pulsed electric field) technology that significantly improves potato processing.

Key Technology introduces hyperspectral imaging on its popular ADR® 5 automatic defect removal system for potato strips to detect and remove sugar ends.

Key Technology introduces a new Sanitary Belt Conveyor for transporting bulk foods on processing and packaging distribution lines.

In a study published this summer, scientists of the Washington State University found that potato virus S (PVS) breaks down late blight resistance in potato.

The J.R. Simplot Co. expects USDA approval for its genetically modified Innate potatoes within the next two months. Simplot Plant Sciences Director of Commercialization Kerwin Bradley outlined the strategy for marketing the potatoes at the Potato Association of America meeting in Spokane.

Key Technology introduces a rotary polish as the new standard finish on its vibratory and horizontal motion conveyor beds, providing a smoother stainless steel surface that resists bacterial attachment and biofilm formation.

Chris Voigt, executive director of the Washington State Potato Commission, Moses Lake, is the focal point of a Republican primary election controversy involving the race between Clint Didier and his opponent Dan Newhouse.

Key Technology introduces its Cayman® BioPrint® Roadshow. These mobile tours offer convenient live demonstrations and tests of this powerful hyperspectral-based digital sorter to nut and dried fruit processors and others at their factories in select regions within the U.S. and Europe