Teagasc will host three potato crop walks this week to address emerging blight cases and the new EU43 blight strain in Ireland, beginning May 29 in Co. Meath. These events will provide growers with updated guidelines on blight control and strategies for the upcoming year. Shay Phelan emphasized the seriousness of the EU43 strain, which has posed significant challenges in Europe, necessitating robust new disease control programs.
The European Wireworm Research Network (EWRN) will host a workshop on July 7th at the Scandic Fornebu Hotel in Oslo, Norway, focusing on wireworm infestations in potato crops. Keynotes include experts discussing management, challenges, and risk assessment. Country updates and scientific posters will be presented, and participants will engage in collaborative discussions. This event aims to unite researchers and professionals in addressing wireworm issues.
Mashed potato sales have surged at Tesco with a million more packs sold in 2023 than in 2022, leading to the opening of a new multi-million-pound mash factory. Demand rose post-pandemic and during the cost-of-living crisis. Tesco partnered with Branston for gourmet mash recipes, creating 80 jobs at the new facility. Branston aims to modernize the beloved British comfort food.
The latest Irish Farmers Association report underscores the difficulties Irish potato farmers face due to unpredictable weather, causing planting delays and a potentially late harvest. Despite these challenges, retail demand and home consumption remain strong, pressuring old season stocks and driving up physical prices. This trend is seen across Europe, with weather impacts noted in the Netherlands and the UK.
McCain Foods announced a €350 million investment in its French production facilities, enhancing capabilities at Harnes, Béthune, and Matougues. This initiative, revealed during President Macron’s visit, aims to boost production by 25% while prioritizing sustainability. State-of-the-art facility upgrades will reduce CO2 emissions and optimize water use. The investment supports McCain’s vision for a resilient future in French agriculture, benefiting its network of farmers, employees, and customers.
The International Potato Day, to be first celebrated on May 30th following a UN resolution, honours the potato’s versatility and significance as a staple food. The German Potato Industry, employing 110,000 people, is the largest EU producer with 264,700 hectares of cultivation. Potatoes are rich in nutrients, highly versatile in cooking, resilient, and sustainable. The event underscores their role in global nutrition, food security, and reducing ecological footprints, according to a recent press release issued jointly by German potato organizations UNIKA and DKHV.
EastFruit reports a significant price increase for last year’s potatoes in the Ukrainian market, with current prices for the 2023 harvest ranging from 15 to 22 UAH per kilogram (approximately $0.38 to $0.55). This is a 27% hike since the previous week, attributed to a seasonal decrease in supply amid steady demand. Quality issues and a rapid depletion of stocks contribute to the rise, with prices now 3.4 times higher than the same period last year.
PepsiCo is investing over 200 million euros in its Veurne plant in Belgium to boost production and sustainability, creating 150 new jobs. The plant, a major European snack production site, plans to increase its output by a third to 115,000 tonnes annually. This facility produces popular snacks for brands like Lay’s, Doritos, and Cheetos, distributing to fourteen countries.
McCain Foods plans to invest €350 million into its French potato processing facilities over five years to boost production by 25% and reduce emissions. Investment targets include modernizing the Matougues plant, which will help expand operations significantly. This initiative, highlighted during President Macron’s visit, aligns with broader market growth in processed potato products driven by demand for convenience foods and advancements in processing technology. Challenges such as price volatility and supply disruptions due to climate impacts are also noted.
The James Hutton Institute secures additional funding to continue its role in the Fight Against Blight (FAB) scheme, protecting Britain’s potato crops against late blight. Initiated in 2006, the scheme involves a network of FAB Scouts monitoring Phytophthora infestans across the UK. This project, vital for early detection and management of new resistant strains of blight, is supported by a consortium of industry leaders. Despite challenges like resistance and regulatory pressures, the collaborative effort aims for effective blight control and sustainable farming practices.
John Sedgwick has been appointed as the new Board Chair of the UK Potato Processors’ Association (PPA), taking over from Dan Hewitt. With extensive experience in the potato industry, Sedgwick aims to address the sector’s challenges such as supply chain issues and economic pressures. The PPA plans to enhance its profile and showcase the benefits of its membership amidst these challenges. Sedgwick’s leadership is welcomed by PPA’s Director General, Andrew Curtis, highlighting Sedgwick’s well-recognized role within the sector.
Scotland’s first autonomous tractor, AgBot, was introduced by SoilEssentials, a provider of precision farming solutions. Designed by AgXeed BV in The Netherlands, AgBot offers configurations including tracked and wheeled models. It aims to enhance agricultural efficiency by reducing manual labor and increasing yields, promising a robust future for farming. Further UK demonstrations are anticipated.
Syngenta UK has launched Evagio Forte, a new blight fungicide for 2024, combining mandipropamid and amisulbrom to form an anti-resistance, high-efficacy product. Proven by trials to deliver superior control with lower active ingredient rates, it is integral for agronomists aiming to reduce fungicide use. Recommended for use from flowering to season’s end, it prevents spore germination and disease spread, aiding resistance management when alternated with other fungicides.
FAM STUMABO introduces Scalibur, a revolutionary potato slicer featuring dual rotation technology for superior slicing quality and efficiency. This advanced tool not only minimizes cell damage for smoother slices and increased yield but also offers versatility with interchangeable cutting heads for various vegetables. Scalibur ensures enhanced process control, reduced cost from lower parts wear, and compatibility with SureSet 16-blade heads, promising a new standard in the food processing industry.
McCain Foods plans to invest over €350 million in France by 2028 to enhance its potato production capabilities. Primarily focusing on three production sites in Harnes, Béthune, and Matougues, this initiative will boost production capacity by almost 25%. This investment, termed “unprecedented” by regional president Alain Duranleau, aims to bolster the company’s competitiveness and sustainability, further solidifying its presence in the French market.
Climate change is severely impacting potato crops globally, causing price surges and jeopardizing farmers’ livelihoods. Heavy rainfall, floods, and droughts have led to reduced yields, lower quality, and increased disease. From Canada’s significant losses to Europe’s crop declines and similar struggles in Africa and South America, the global potato industry is under stress. This crisis highlights the urgent need for action against climate change to protect food security and the agricultural sector.
UK potato prices have surged due to a low 2023 harvest and delayed planting, with English White potatoes now at £630/MT, showing a 90% increase, and Maris Piper potatoes at £660/MT, up by 120%. Market analyst Harry Campbell at Mintec writes that despite warmer May weather improving planting, supply constraints continue, leading growers to hold stocks in anticipation of prices reaching beyond £700/MT. The market remains primarily a sellers’ market.
Royal HZPC Group forecasts a similar financial outcome for 2023/2024 as last year, with an expected 4% increase in turnover. Despite low European yields, sales exceeded expectations, especially in licensed tonnage in America and Asia, contributing to this growth. Financial challenges persist due to high yields in other regions and potential costs in politically unstable areas. The company also recovered funds from a cyberattack, closing that incident.
