Michigan potato growers, along with those from ten other states, have gained expanded access to the South Korean market for table stock and chipping potatoes, as reported by Michigan Farm News. This development marks a significant milestone after a 19-year effort, previously allowing only certain states access. The National Potato Council estimates the fresh potato market in Korea could grow substantially, enhancing export opportunities under the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement.

Quebec potato growers approach new technologies based on economic and structural factors rather than philosophy. Key influences include clear ROI, alignment with operational constraints, and local proof. Common barriers to adoption arise from complexity, upfront costs, and potential unintended consequences. Successful technologies emphasize simplicity, support, and measurable results. While sustainability engagement is rising, skepticism persists when policies are misaligned with agronomic realities. Collaborative research partnerships foster better adoption by respecting farmers' operational constraints.

A University of Idaho team is innovating agricultural fungicide development through computer molecular modeling. With a focus on potato diseases, they have screened under 60 compounds and identified 15 effective candidates, aiming to introduce novel fungicide classes targeting specific fungal proteins. The project, supported by state and federal grants, could offer growers new crop protection solutions and generate substantial royalties for the university.

Uneven airflow creates microclimates that drive late-season storage problems - persistent warm spots, localized condensation, CO₂ pockets, and eventual breakdown. This fourth Storage Season Essentials article explains what dead zones look like, why they become rot zones, and how short-circuiting, leaks, and changing resistance weaken distribution mid-season. It provides a practical weekly airflow audit, a print-friendly checklist table, and common myths that lead to costly over-ventilation and missed warning signs.

Late-winter warm spells can turn routine ventilation into a condensation trigger when moist air meets a cold pile and cold building surfaces. This Storage Season Essentials article explains dew point in practical terms and provides a step-by-step decision workflow for managing warm-spell risk. It highlights what condensation really looks like, where it forms first, what to do - and what to avoid. A print-friendly checklist table supports consistent, calm ventilation decisions.

The Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC) is spotlighting a potential shift in how potato varieties could be selected in the years ahead: not only for yield, quality, storability, and disease profile, but also for how efficiently they use nitrogen. Early multi-province research suggests that nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) may become a key selection trait for potato varieties. Recent findings indicate newer cultivars could outperform older ones in yield while requiring less nitrogen.

Urschel will showcase six advanced food processing machines at Fruit Logistica from February 4-6, 2026, in Berlin, Germany. Featured equipment includes the TranSlicer 2520 and E TranSlicer Cutters, DiversaCut 2110A and Sprint 2 Dicers, the CCLL high-capacity lattice slicer, and the Comitrol Disc Mill 380. These cutting solutions enhance production efficiency for commercial food processors. Visit booth C-30 in Hall 1.1 to explore these innovations further.

Urschel will showcase its latest food processing machinery at ProPak Philippines from February 4-6, 2026. Featured products include the DiversaCut 2110A Dicer for high-capacity cutting, the versatile Comitrol Processor Model 1700, the KRONEN PL 40K Potato Peeler for root vegetables, the KRONEN GS 10-2 Slicer for various cuts, and the KRONEN KS-100 PLUS Centrifuge/Dryer. Visit Stand E21 to explore these solutions and enhance food processing efficiency.

This Storage Season Essentials article is a follow-up to PNT’s January 21, 2026 feature, “The storage baseline that saves crops: 10 measurements every potato facility should track mid-season.” It translates those measurements into a practical 60-minute weekly audit that helps storage managers spot drift early - widening temperature gradients, condensation risk during warm spells, dead zones, CO₂ creep, developing hotspots, and unnecessary drying. A downloadable-style checklist table supports consistent, calm decision-making.

TOMRA Food has introduced the Dry Peel Separator-16 (DPS-16), a high-capacity peeling machine that processes up to 70 tons of potatoes per hour. Designed for efficiency, it utilizes a unique no-water peeling method, enhancing operational flexibility across various vegetable sizes. The brushless design minimizes maintenance, while easy access simplifies cleaning. With over 45 years of steam peeling experience, TOMRA continues to deliver reliable, scalable solutions for food processors.

The average price of deep frozen French fries in the EU dropped to €1,206 per tonne in October 2025, the lowest in three years, boosting demand in most EU-4 countries. Belgium became the cheapest producer, while Germany had the highest price. Overall, export volumes increased except in France. However, November figures showed a 6.5% decline. Non-EU competition remains challenging, but some markets, like Africa and South America, increased orders.

Mid-season potato storage success is rarely luck - it’s disciplined monitoring. This Storage Season Essentials article outlines ten practical measurements that act as an early-warning system for shrink, rot, bruising, and spring quality issues. It explains why temperature profiles, supply air and plenum conditions, RH and dew point, CO₂ trends, fan run logic, static pressure, outside air context, walk-through checks, and consistent logging matter. A “common scenarios” guide shows how to respond sensibly.

FPS Food Process Solutions has acquired Symotab Kft, a Hungarian company specializing in advanced coating technology for protein and snack applications. Symotab's 3-in-1 CombiCoater combines several coating functions into one compact system, addressing space and efficiency challenges for modern food processors. This partnership enhances FPS's offerings and aims to develop innovative solutions for the industry. Both companies will showcase the CombiCoater at the IPPE 2026 in Atlanta.

Potatoes, essential to American cuisine, have a deep-rooted history in Pennsylvania and over 30 other states, playing a vital role in agriculture and nutrition, as highlighted at the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show. Nathan Tallman, CEO of the Pennsylvania Co-operative Potato Growers, emphasized the crop's evolution through technology and consumer preferences, showcasing hundreds of potato varieties and numerous recipes that celebrate potatoes' importance.

EUPPA has released its 2025 Facts and Figures fact sheet, quantifying the scale and reach of Europe’s potato-processing sector. The association says its members represent more than 90% of Europe’s processed potato production. The snapshot reports €9.8 billion in annual turnover, 7.5 million tonnes of fries and potato-derived products produced, and 25,000 jobs linked to 51 facilities. It also highlights major export volumes and strong concentration among top exporting countries.

National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles expressed that current government aid is inadequate for specialty crop growers facing high input costs and low market prices. He noted that while the USDA is making efforts, the resources available fall short, with specialty crops needing around $5 billion amid expectations of receiving only $1 billion. Industry groups are collaborating with Congress to seek more support linked to upcoming legislation.

A farm in Saxony, Germany has 4,000 tons of potatoes left unsold after a trader misjudged market demand, resulting in a surplus. Although the financial transactions were completed, the potatoes could not be sold. Now, efforts are underway to prevent waste, with the first truckload heading to Berlin for free distribution, organized in partnership with Ecosia and Berliner Morgenpost. Registration for collection has ended.

The global French fries market has shifted dramatically, with Asia increasingly dominating due to falling prices and rapidly growing production in countries like China and India. Traditional producers in the US and Northwest Europe face challenges as low-cost exporters capture market share and average import prices in Asia decline. Despite overall robust demand for frozen potato products, structural overproduction in Europe and competitive pricing pressures complicate the landscape, prompting adaptations from established manufacturers.

FPS Food Process Solutions, in collaboration with GEM Equipment of Oregon, has introduced the GEM VersaFry, an innovative fryer designed for the snack and appetizer market. The VersaFry emphasizes safety, durability, and precision frying capabilities, accommodating various food products. Key features include an adjustable conveyor, easy sanitation access, and oil temperature management. This fryer aims to deliver low ownership costs and exceptional support within major food processing plants.

Urschel will attend the California League of Food Producers Food Processing Expo in Sacramento, California, February 4 - 5, 2026, showcasing two cutting systems for food processors: the DiversaCut 2110A Dicer with built-in discharge conveyor and the KRONEN GS 10-2 Slicer. Urschel says the DiversaCut supports continuous, high-capacity slicing, dicing, stripping and shredding, while the KRONEN unit offers gentle, adjustable cutting and washdown-friendly stainless design.

FPS Food Process Solutions is expanding globally, targeting the food manufacturing and technology market. In January 2026, FPS MEA will open a logistics center in Morocco, while GEM Equipment in Oregon is renovating its facility, expected to be completed by Spring 2026. Other expansions include locations in Brazil, China, and Europe, enhancing FPS’s capacity to innovate and advance food manufacturing by the end of 2026.

Thirty years after launching an early potato-industry website in 1996, Lukie Pieterse reflects on how the World Wide Web evolved into today’s always-on digital world - and how the potato community grew with it. The piece traces the shift from scarcity to information overload, arguing that trust, accuracy, and usefulness matter more than ever. At its core is a human story: friendships, mentorships, hard seasons, and a new generation inheriting both powerful tools and bigger responsibilities.

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. is closing its Munro, Argentina plant to consolidate production at a modern facility in Mar del Plata, enhancing operational efficiency and profitability. Approximately 100 affected employees will receive severance. Additionally, a production line in the Netherlands will be temporarily curtailed. These moves align with the company's Focus to Win strategy, focusing on market prioritization and strengthening customer partnerships.

FAO’s FAOSTAT year-end update (dated December 31, 2025) adds fresh 2024 potato totals that show steady global growth. World production rose to 390.4 million tonnes (+0.95%) as harvested area edged up to 17.08 million hectares (+0.49%), lifting average yield slightly. Asia remained dominant with 52.6% of output. Europe increased production despite a small area decline, while Africa’s output dipped marginally as area expanded.

The National Potato Council says its Executive Committee unanimously approved a December 19, 2025 resolution asking the U.S. Trade Representative to launch a Section 332 fact-finding investigation into Canadian potato trade practices. NPC points to British Columbia’s more-than-40-year measure limiting U.S. potato exports - mainly from Washington - and says recent enhancements have caused millions in reported losses. The council also cites Midwest grower concerns about subsidies.