News on The Potato Supply Chain from Northern America

August 28, 2012

Potato psyllid populations growing dramatically in Columbia Basin

Researchers say populations of potato psyllids - vectors of a new crop disease to the region called zebra chip - are growing dramatically in the Columbia Basin.

August 27, 2012

Michigan Potato Industry Commission appointed Michael Wenkel as its new executive director

The Michigan Potato Industry Commission (MPIC) appointed Michael Wenkel as its new executive director, effective Aug. 31. He succeeds Ben Kudwa, who has held the position since 1986 and is transitioning into retirement. Wenkel comes to MPIC from Michi...

August 27, 2012

Canadian politician says call for potato boycott wasn't intended to hurt producers

A Liberal MLA in Canada's Alberta province who called for a boycott of Alberta potatoes over concerns that child labour remains unregulated in the province says he has no desire to damage the livelihoods of growers.

August 25, 2012

Canada's Manitoba province expects above average potato yields

Manitoba potato producers will likely harvest an above average crop this year, says a provincial potato specialist.

August 25, 2012

Pacific Northwest potato breeders prepare for Tri-State Tour

To potato breeders in the Pacific Northwest, the annual Tri-State Tour is akin to Christmas morning, explained Brian Charlton, with Oregon State University's Klamath Basin Research & Extension Center.

August 25, 2012

Científicos rusos obtienen una especie violeta de papa

Los colaboradores del Instituto Científico-Investigativo de los Urales obtuvieron una nueva especie de patata cuya pulpa recuerda por su color a la de la remolacha. La singular patata recibió el nombre de "Milagrosa". Aunque su sabor es bast...

August 23, 2012

US potato industry working to reverse ban on domestic exports to South Korea

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal &Plant Health Inspection Service is working to provide data to officials in South Korea that it hopes will result in a reversal of a decision to ban potato exports from Oregon, Washington and Idaho.

August 22, 2012

Alexandra Imhof promoted to US Potato Board Industry Communications & Policy Manager

The United States Potato Board (USPB) is pleased to announce the promotion of Alexandra Imhof to the position of USPB Industry Communications &Policy Manager, effective July 1, 2012. She has been with the USPB since August 2003, when she was hired ...

August 22, 2012

JR Simplot Acquires Dorman Brothers

Dorman Brothers, an agricultural supply company with locations in Goodland, Kansas, and in Colorado at Burlington and Cheyenne Wells, will join Simplot’s AgriBusiness Group as part of the Simplot Grower Solutions network. “Our goal at Simplot Grower S...

August 21, 2012

Alberta politician calls on Frito-Lay to boycott Alberta potatoes on child labour concerns

An Alberta politician, the Liberal MLA David Swann, called on snack-food giant Frito Lay, a subsidiary of PepsiCo., to boycott Alberta potatoes because child labour remains unregulated on provincial farms. The New Democrats later joined the Alberta Fe...

August 21, 2012

US Potato Supply unaffected by drought

The severe drought in the central US has consumers concerned about skyrocketing food prices due to crop shortages and the subsequent 'trickle down' effect it's already having on the price of meats and dairy.

August 21, 2012

Take proactive approach to zebra chip, potato psyllid management

ast year, zebra chip made headlines when the potato disease caught a couple of Columbia Basin growers off guard and devastated their crop.

August 21, 2012

NDSU Potato Blightline for August 20

The NDSU Potato Blightline for August 20th sponsored by Syngenta Crop Protection has been issued.

August 20, 2012

www.ONpotatoes.ca supports irrigation decisions of Canadian potato growers

New technology is being evaluated that may help potato farmers currently dealing with near-record droughts irrigate in ways that are more efficient and cost-effective than traditional methods.

August 20, 2012

Focus on Potato webcast: Potato Growth And Development

Healthy tuber development and higher yields are two common goals among potato growers. But without a good understanding of the key growth and yield factors, maximizing success is difficult. This latest Focus on Potato presentation by Dr. Mike Thornton...

August 17, 2012

Idaho spud growers say harvest shaping to be mixed bag

As they commence harvesting early season varieties, Idaho potato growers anticipate a hot summer will contribute to highly variable yields and quality, especially in the eastern part of the state.

Zebra chip disease affected potato tubers

August 16, 2012

University of Idaho receives grant to study zebra chip disease

The federal government is providing $109,000 for the University of Idaho to study an emerging plant disease the school says “poses a substantial threat to the state’s potato industry.” The money will be used to monitor potato fields for the presence o...

August 16, 2012

Klamath Basin Fresh Direct now Klamath Basin Fresh Organics

The former Klamath Basin Fresh Direct has officially changed its name to Klamath Basin Fresh Organics. Chairman Dan Chin said the business is solely focused on organic production, and the name change makes that direction clear.