Potato News from Washington

March 04, 2015

The Washington State Potato Commission hires new director of industry outreach

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

February 25, 2015

Tentative agreement US West Coast Ports - but effects may last

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.

January 15, 2015

Key Technology Expands the Value of Digital Sorting with Information Analytics

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

January 05, 2015

Washington-Oregon Potato Conference: a regionally popular, prominent event

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.

December 07, 2014

New Specialty potatoes: Delicious, Nutritious and Colorful

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

November 21, 2014

Pulsemaster introduces new generation PEF technology for potato processing

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

Key Technology Introduces CIT Hyperspectral Imaging Module for ADR 5 to remove “Sugar Ends”

November 18, 2014

Key Technology Introduces CIT® Hyperspectral Module for ADR5 to Detect & Remove Sugar Ends from Potato Strips

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

October 31, 2014

Key Technology Introduces new Sanitary Belt Conveyor

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

September 28, 2014

Potato Virus S may break down Phytophthora resistance in potato

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.

August 03, 2014

Simplot outlines Innate marketing strategy

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.

July 30, 2014

Key Technology Introduces Sanitary Rotary Finish on Vibratory Conveyors

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, well know form his 20-potatoes-a-day diet

July 20, 2014

Washington potato director denies wrongdoing in republican primary

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.

July 16, 2014

Key Technology Introduces its Cayman BioPrint Roadshow

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

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

June 25, 2014

Key Technology Appoints Steve Johnson as Senior Director Latin America and Asia Sales

Key Technology announces the appointment of Steve Johnson to the position of Senior Director Latin America and Asia Sales.

April 14, 2014

Key Technology Appoints Peter Wood as Process Systems Product Manager

Key Technology announces the appointment of Peter Wood as Process Systems Product Manager.

March 19, 2014

Washington State Potato Commission announces winner Potato Chip Day Drawing

More than 1,200 people entered the drawing of the Washington State Potato Commision to win 10,001
bags of potato chips, but in the end there would only be one name selected.

February 21, 2014

Olympia Potato Day Event Educates and Celebrates the Washington State Potato

Potato growers from throughout Washington state visited the state’s capital this week as part of the annual Potato Day event held in Olympia, Washington