News on The Potato Supply Chain from the United States

October 15, 2009

Idaho Potato contracts up in the air

As Idaho potato farmers wrap up harvest, many are uncertain about french fry processing contracts for next year.A shake-up in Idaho fry contracts occurred last winter after Lamb Weston, a division of ConAgra, failed to follow through with a contract th...

Potato chips from potatoes affected by the Zebra chips disease (ARS)

October 13, 2009

Liberibacter Species Bacterium Identified as Prime Suspect in Zebra Chip Disease

Since 2000, a mystery disease has struck some potato fields in Texas, Arizona, California, Nevada, and other western states, reducing tuber yields and quality.

September 28, 2009

Potato genome sequenced

The Potato Genome Sequencing Consortium (PGSC), an international team of scientists has announced that it has released the first draft sequence of the potato genome. The PGSC started work on the project three years ago. The resulting 'blueprint' of how...

September 23, 2009

Bannock Russet new potato variety for McDonald's french fries?

From the fields of Idaho to tasting rooms in suburban Chicago, potato farmers, researchers and industry representatives are in the midst of an elusive hunt: finding a new spud for McDonald's french fries.

September 17, 2009

Lower demand for agricultural equipment hits AGCO sales

Agricultural equipment manufacturer Agco expects global net sales will be down by a quarter (23-25%) this year, compared with 2008. The firm, which has brands such as Massey Ferguson, Fendt and Valtra, said that sales and operating income in its Europe...

September 16, 2009

NNZ's Spud Shade bags prevent potato greening

The “green” movement is all the rage these days. And yet, if you’re a retailer or consumer of potatoes, green is the last thing you want.NNZ Inc., Lawrenceville, Ga., and Walnut Packaging Inc., Farmingdale, N.Y., have joined to manufacture, market and ...

September 11, 2009

Free Tree Planted With Every DeeAmore Potato Purchase

One potato, two potato, three potato, four...the more DeeAmore potatoes America eats, the more forests are restored. It's the DeeAmore "Buy One Get One Tree"program, and it's just in time for earth-friendly, budget-friendly holiday gift-givi...

September 11, 2009

Lowering Sodium Consumption Could Save U.S. $18 Billion Annually in Health Costs

Reducing Americans' average intake of sodium to the amount recommended by health officials could save the nation as much as $18 billion annually in avoided health care costs and improve the quality of life for millions of people, according to a new R...

September 10, 2009

USPB's 'Quick and Healthy' potato recipes highlight the convenient, nutritious and budget friendly potato

Myth or fact? It is possible to create affordable and nutritious meals from scratch in under thirty minutes without ever turning on the oven. Fact! With the United States Potato Board's (USPB) new "Quick and Healthy"recipe series, potato sal...

September 03, 2009

US consumers ‘unaware of acrylamide’

The majority of US consumers are unaware of acrylamide even as major North American governments are taking action to deal with the suspected carcinogen, according to new consumer research. Acrylamide is a chemical produced during high temperature cooki...

Northern Plains Potato Growers Association

September 02, 2009

Potato blight threat eases in Red River Valley

The Northern Plains Potato Growers Association says potato blight in the Red River Valley appears to be well-contained.The disease was confirmed last month in northeastern North Dakota's Grand Forks County. The association says it has not been found an...

August 31, 2009

Idaho Potato Commission promotes new Idaho Grown Potatoes

For decades, the Idaho Potato Commission has primarily promoted russet Burbank potatoes. In fact, when anyone says "potato,"everyone immediately thinks Idaho."And, the IPC works tirelessly to ensure that all consumers -- including FS professionals -- unde...

August 26, 2009

As new potatoes come in, prices drop in Idaho

A large amount of large potatoes from Idaho are having trouble finding anywhere to go, dropping f.o.b.s on cartons like a rock. As of Aug. 26, shipments of russet norkotahs from Idaho’s Twin Falls-Burley District and Western Idaho were three times high...

August 26, 2009

MSU Plant Pathologist Willie Kirk: monitor potatoes in storage for late blight

The impact of late blight to potato growers in Michigan is clear and we estimate that many growers with crops going in to long-term storage will spend up to $350/A in crop protection products alone (not including application costs). Even such intense c...

August 25, 2009

New IRI Report: “Private Label 2009: Understanding and Mitigating Private Label Threat”

Once seen as knock-offs of "name brands,"private label products have become increasingly more accepted by consumers as quality has increased and retailers have expanded their offerings of private label goods. In fact, 78 percent of both lowe...

August 25, 2009

Chuck Gunnerson named president of Northern Plains Potato Growers Association

The “interim” has been removed from the title of the man running the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association.

August 21, 2009

First late blight cases found in North Dakota potato fields

The late blight fungus has been confirmed in several North Dakota potato fields. There are also unconfirmed reports in Manitoba, Canada [More on blight in Manitoba]. No case has yet been confirmed in Minnesota, said Chuck Gunnerson, interim president...

August 21, 2009

Idaho Potatoes and Fresh Gourmet® Crunchy Toppings Launch Retail Promotion in Produce Aisle

Idaho potatoes and Fresh Gourmet Crunchy Toppings have partnered once again with a high-value promotion guaranteed to maximize retail holiday sales. Beginning October 1, every package of Fresh Gourmet Crunchy Toppings will offer a $.75 instant coupon f...