News on Potato Varieties and Seed from Northern America

July 25, 2019

International Potato Technology Expo Opens Bookings for 2020

The International Potato Technology Expo, a leading potato event in Canada, returns to the Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown February 21-22, 2020.

July 08, 2019

New sweet potato variety could appeal to Canadian growers

The idea was straightforward: develop a sweet potato variety that could be adapted across Canada so the country could grow more sweet potatoes rather than rely on imports.

July 02, 2019

Tasteful Selections is ready to fuel your next adventure in their new campaign, Adventure in a Small Bite

New, exciting recipes and prizes to appeal to the most adventurous foodie

June 21, 2019

Western Innovator: Potato researcher thrives on questions

Mark Pavek, professor and potato specialist at Washington State University, at one of the research potato fields in Othello.

June 11, 2019

Cornell University improves global access to potato breeding material

Plant breeders and geneticists of Cornell University have released more than 50 potato varieties since 1908. Now they are expanding their efforts to make more wild potato seeds available to potato breeders around the world.

Red potato harvest in Pearsall, TX (Courtesy: FreshPlaza)

May 13, 2019

Harvest begins for Texas potato crop

Black Gold Farms started harvest of the 2019 fresh crop of Texas colored potatoes earlier this week. According to the company, the first run fields have indicated that the quality will be better than ever.

NC State grew the North Carolina sweet potato industry into a global powerhouse.(Courtesy: Bill Krueger / NC State University)

May 06, 2019

Can Sweet Potatoes Save the World?

NC State grew the North Carolina sweet potato industry into a global powerhouse. Now we're leading the effort to breed sweet potatoes that could provide economic opportunities and better nutrition for people in African countries. (Courtesy: Bill Krueger)

David Douches Ph.D. Professor, Director of MSU Potato Breeding and Genetics Program

April 29, 2019

Michigan State University develops new potato varieties for countries far and wide

David Douches, a professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences and director of the MSU Potato Breeding and Genetics Program, has been at the forefront of the potato’s transition as people get more adventurous with their eating habits.

Producers were reporting storage concerns this winter as they struggled with frost-damaged potatoes and extreme cold.

April 29, 2019

Expanding potato sector in Manitoba not stressing on seed, despite tight supplies

Manitoba’s potato sector is gearing up to supply an expanding industry but seed supplies will be tight after a tough harvest last season. A number of producers are planning capital upgrades to keep up with the rise in demand.

New Partnership Brings Major Agricultural Trade Show to Grand Falls, NB

April 09, 2019

New Partnership Brings Major Agricultural Trade Show to Grand Falls, New Brunswick

A New Brunswick-grown industry partnership will see Grand Falls host an all-new edition of the major farming trade show AgriExpo this summer.

March 05, 2019

Cavendish Farms invests in potato breeding to deal with climate change

Cavendish Farms is working to develop potato varieties that can thrive in dry growing conditions on Prince Edward Island, says the company’s president Robert Irving.

February 11, 2019

Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association elects new boards

The Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) selects new boards.

November 20, 2018

A new Maine Potato Variety, the Caribou Russet, sees an increasing popularity

The Caribou Russet, a potato variety developed by the University of Maine and available since 2016, sees an increasing market

A new crop of fingerlings means... Party Potatoes are back!

September 01, 2018

A new crop of fingerlings... Yes, Party Potatoes are back!

Old Oak Farms®, RPE’s core commodity brand, is bringing excitement to the fingerling potato for the third year in a row, with Party Potatoes®.

August 12, 2018

Range of potato experiments underway at Maine Research Farm (Aroostook)

Farmers, researchers and members of the public gathered at the University of Maine’s Aroostook Research Farm in Presque Isle last Wednesday to learn about the latest in potato research.

August 06, 2018

ARS scientists streamline process to introduce multiple genes - as is required to make potatoes resistant to late blight

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists in Albany, California, have found a way to streamline the process that scientists use to insert multiple genes into a crop plant. Simplot is planning to use it to introduce multiple genes into potatoes to make them resistant to late blight

August 06, 2018

Potato Processing company J.R. Simplot acquires license for CRISPR-CAS9 gene editing technology

J.R. Simplot has acquired a license for CRISPR-Cas9 and related gene editing tools. This provides Simplot with another avenue to add desirable traits to fruits and vegetables, including potatoes.