News on The Potato Supply Chain from Northern America

October 09, 2012

Dry conditions during growing season affecting Red River Valley potato harvest

In sharp contrast with the 2011 production season, potato growers in the Red River Valley may have to deal with the impact of dry weather as they begin production on this year’s crop.

October 04, 2012

Sobeys Display of PEI Potatoes sets world record

A world record-setting potato display, featuring a final total of 92,500 pounds of Prince Edward Island potatoes, was completed on Wednesday, October 3rd at the Sobeys retail location on University Avenue in Charlottetown.

October 04, 2012

United States celebrates National Pierogies Day on October 8

Each October 8th, pierogy fans everywhere take a moment to honor the rich history and flavorful traditions of one of the country's most treasured and tasty comfort foods. This year's National Pierogy Day celebration is doubly delicious, because Mrs. T'...

October 03, 2012

US Potato Exports Projected to Benefit from World Supply Situation

For the recently completed marketing year, the volume of US potato and potato product exports grew 10 percent to the fresh weight equivalent of 65,271,616 hundredweight. This is equal to 16 percent of total US potato sales for the year. For the past 10...

October 02, 2012

Wet weather causing problems for Prince Edward Island Potato Farmers

Potato growers on Prince Edward Island are concerned that some of their crops might be lost because of the wet weather. Willem van Nieuwenhuyzen's potato field at Vanco Farms is completely saturated with water after recent rains, a much different scen...

October 02, 2012

Scottish Rooster potatoes hit US shelves at Wal-Mart

Scottish potato producer, Albert Bartlett, announced plans on Sunday to target growth in the U.S. market, after partnering with supermarket giant Wal-Mart to supply its Rooster brand of potatoes.

October 02, 2012

Sobeys to build world’s largest potato display on October 3rd in Charlottetown, PEI

The Prince Edward Island Potato Board is excited to announce that Sobeys is constructing a record-setting display featuring 90,000 pounds of PEI potatoes on Wednesday, October 3rd at their retail location on University Av., Charlottetown.This will set ...

October 01, 2012

Kettle Brand Potato Chips soon non-GMO project verified

Kettle Brand is building on its long-standing natural promise and commitment to raising the standards for the potato chip category by adding Non-GMO Project verification to 16 of its kettle-cooked potato chip flavors.

October 01, 2012

Dow AgroSciences logo now includes the red 'Dow Diamond' as part of a new brand identity launched today.

Dow AgroSciences introduced a new brand and visual identity today, the culmination of a major brand transformation the company has undertaken over the past year.

September 28, 2012

New harvesters a big change for the Maine potato industry

It used to be hand picking and barrels were the only way to do it, but today you're lucky if you can find someone who still does it the old fashioned way. Today farmers have turned to more modern technology to harvest their potato crop.Self run harvest...

September 27, 2012

USDA Report Potatoes 2011 Summary published

Last week the USDA published the final overview and latest revision of potato harvest 2011, Potatoes 2011 Summary.

September 27, 2012

US Potatoes possible source of cattle feed this year

This year’s drought conditions may result in potatoes becoming a source of feed for cattle.

September 26, 2012

J.R. Simplot acquires Florikote slow release fertilizer technology

Florikan, a specialist in polymer-coated fertilizer technologies for the agriculture and horticulture industries, has sold its patented Florikote technology to the J. R. Simplot Company, a leading global supplier of crop nutrient and specialty fertiliz...

Dry harvest conditions in British Columbia

September 25, 2012

British Columbia potato farmers prefer dry harvest conditions

With a dry August and September, and little or no rain forecast for the next 14 days or so, Ladner potato farmer Peter Guichon is not too concerned about this year's harvesting conditions. Go back 24 months or so on the calendar and it was a much diff...

Southern Idaho Potato Cooperative (SIPCO)

September 23, 2012

US Growers weigh options for excess potatoes

Leaders of two potato organizations have advised growers their best options for any unclaimed spuds this season may be to sell them as cattle feed or to leave them in the field for the fertilizer value. Dan Hargraves, who represents processed growers ...

September 21, 2012

Idaho Potato Industry task force to probe origin of ring rot in Idaho potatoes

The Idaho potato industry is forming a task force to trace the origin of a ring rot flare-up that's affected roughly 20 farms, mostly in the Magic Valley area. University of Idaho Extension seed potato pathologist Phil Nolte, who will likely head the ...

September 20, 2012

Potato wart confirmed on Prince Edward Island

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of potato wart in two fields on separate farms in PEI. Potato wart poses no threat to human health or food safety. However, it is a quarantine pest that is regulated in Canada becau...

September 18, 2012

Mike Madsen elected commissioner at Washington State Potato Commission

Mike Madsen has been elected as the newest commissioner for the Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC). The election took place during the WSPC’s quarterly meeting on September 6, 2012. Mike will fill the WSPC’s vacant at-large position and begi...