Following protests, potatoes will remain classified as a vegetable, not a grain. Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine)reported receiving assurances from USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, addressing concerns of misrepresentation regarding the health benefits of potatoes. This decision comes as the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee prepares its recommendations, affirming potatoes’ nutritional value and versatility in diets.
Tag: potato packaging
‘Nothing into something’: Little potatoes turn into big success for Canadian company
The Little Potato Company, established in 1996 in Edmonton by Angela Santiago and her father, has expanded significantly, inaugurating a new $39.5 million, 420,000-square-foot facility in Nisku, Alberta. This plant can distribute up to 125 million pounds of potatoes annually and features sustainable technologies like solar panels and water recycling. This development highlights Alberta’s flourishing agricultural sector.
Transforming potato storage: Biofresh Safestore showcased sprout suppressant system at SPot Store event
Biofresh Safestore, a leading UK provider of potato sprout control technology, showcased its ethylene-based suppressant system at the SPot Store event on May 14th, hosted by Winters Lane Storage in Lincolnshire. The event, aimed at refining potato storage practices, featured discussions on store design and cold storage regimes. Ethylene, used since 2003, replaces traditional chemicals, meeting safety regulations without leaving residues.
Navigating the green future: The Sustainability Consortium launches free Commodity mapping platform
The Sustainability Consortium (TSC) has launched CommodityMap, a cloud-based platform that utilizes geospatial analytics to enhance sustainability in agricultural supply chains. This free, public tool provides insights, simplifies data collection with a proprietary model, and delivers science-based recommendations to improve supply chains. Supported by the Walmart Foundation, CommodityMap reflects TSC’s commitment to practical sustainability solutions, aiming to foster transparency and facilitate stakeholder collaboration towards a more sustainable consumer goods industry.
New partnership in agri-tech: Tolsma-Grisnich and Invaro Group collaborate on cutting-edge sorting technology
Effective May 1, 2024, Tolsma-Grisnich and the Invaro Group will collaborate intensively in optical sorting for potatoes and onions. Tolsma-Grisnich will manage all commercial and service aspects of the Schouten Optica Q and CS globally, while Invaro Group continues developing and producing Optica technology. This partnership leverages the strengths of both companies to offer advanced, quality-enhancing solutions to growers and processors.
A reduced fertilizer future? AAFC’s latest Plowdown Challenge explores manure’s potential in potato farming
When Scott Anderson and Roger Henry from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) launched the AAFC Plowdown Challenge last year, they aimed to engage farmers in guessing the yield of the Mountain Gem potato variety grown without fertilizer, using manure instead. After a successful year, they introduced a new twist with manure to potentially enhance soil benefits this year. The challenge demonstrates alternative sustainable farming by utilizing residual soil nutrients.
Syngenta unifies agronomy tools: Introducing myField app for streamlined potato crop management
Syngenta has integrated BlightCast and Quantis Heat Stress Alert into a single myField app, enhancing decision support for potato growers. This digital tool provides advanced warnings on disease and heat stress on a field-by-field basis, combining personalized weather and agronomy data. The app, replacing older web-based systems, offers detailed forecasts, visual risk indicators, and alert emails to optimize blight strategies and heat stress management.
‘The potato: A journey through time, cultures, and challenges’
This article, authored by Lukie Pieterse for UN Today, briefly explores the potato’s evolution from a wild Andean plant to a global dietary staple. Highlighting its historical and cultural significance, the piece delves into the crop’s role in human civilization, agricultural innovation, and its adaptability across varied climates. The narrative discusses the potato’s impact on societies, culinary traditions worldwide, and its ongoing adaptation to environmental challenges, as well as its crucial role in global food security and cultural diversity.
IPC strengthens retail relations with new hire Matt Zapczynski in Northeast/Midwest
Matt Zapczynski has been appointed as the new Retail Promotion Director for the Northeast and Midwest regions by the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC). With extensive experience in retail and wholesale within the produce sector, Zapczynski is celebrated for his dedication to continual learning and leadership skills. His background includes roles at The Giant Co. and Merchants Distributors LLC. Zapczynski brings a profound embrace of market challenges and customer engagement to his new role at IPC.
Tayler Farms: A legacy of dedication and quality in New Zealand’s potato industry
Nick Tayler continues the legacy of his family’s potato farm in New Zealand, as showcased in Copper Kettle Chips’ “Meet our Farmers” series. Starting in the 1960s, the farm’s partnership with Copper Kettle is grounded in a commitment to quality and integrity. Nick and his family, including staff seen as family, face challenges like weather and pests, but find profound satisfaction in their high-quality produce. Nick’s deep connection to his produce extends beyond farming, celebrating the enjoyment of his potatoes at social gatherings.
‘From hand-pulling to high tech’: The balancing act of sustainable weed management in modern farming
Jon Entine’s article published by the Genetic Literacy Project (GLP) discusses the evolution of weed management in agriculture, from primitive methods to modern biotechnological advances. While chemical herbicides and GM crops have increased yields and efficiency, concerns about environmental and health impacts persist. Organic advocates promote more sustainable practices like crop rotation and biological controls. Entine stresses the need for an evidence-based, integrated approach combining traditional and innovative methods to ensure agriculture’s sustainability and safety.
Pioneering study highlights need for climate-resilient potato cultivars amidst global warming
A study by researchers at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, published in Frontiers in Plant Science, reveals significant challenges potato cultivation faces due to climate change. The research team underscores the importance of developing stress-tolerant potato varieties to maintain global food security amid rising temperatures, drought, and increased pest incidences. The study includes advancements in understanding potato plants’ molecular responses to environmental stress, critical for breeding resilient cultivars.
Possible potato shortage looms in Ireland as growers rush to late planting following bad weather
Irish shoppers may face potato shortages this summer due to delayed planting resulting from unusually wet weather, as reported by The Journal. This setback follows a poor harvest last year, further diminishing crop size. Teagasc experts predict supermarkets might resort to rationing potatoes. Additionally, with a sharp decline in Irish potato growers from 700 to 160 over the past decade, there’s a call for supermarkets to better support farmers and cease promotions of heavily discounted potatoes.
Scotts Precision Manufacturing Ltd: A leader in innovative root crop and vegetable harvesting systems
Scotts Precision Manufacturing Ltd, established in 1994, specializes in innovative root crop and vegetable harvesting and cleaning systems. Utilizing advanced 3D design and state-of-the-art manufacturing, they offer a diverse range of equipment, including the Evolution Separator and Microlift Pro, to a global clientele. Recently, they expanded their market presence with dedicated websites for USA and French-Canadian customers. Their continuous commitment to quality and innovation secures their leadership in the agricultural industry.
Global flavors, local tastes: The creative twist on McDonald’s fries around the world
Fast food in America is known for its consistency, but McDonald’s international outlets offer a delightful array of variations, particularly with French fries. McDonald’s adapts to global tastes, resulting in unique offerings like gravy-loaded fries in Australia and sweet corn-seasoned fries in the Philippines. With over 38,000 locations, the company ensures local flavors meet the iconic McDonald’s experience, making their fries not just famous but culturally versatile too.
Value of Scottish potato industry more than just ‘small potatoes’
Potatoes, despite their versatile use in food and non-food sectors, have seen a dramatic 71% decline in UK’s fresh potato demand since the 1970s. According to a report by SRUC, Scotland remains more stable in potato production compared to the entire UK, accounting for significantly higher portions of seed potatoes, crucial due to its disease-free status. Scotland’s seed potato sector, highlighted for its economic importance, supports substantial employment and generates significant economic output.
RPE exhibits for the first time at CPMA, ushering in a new era for potato retail solutions in Canada
RPE LLC., a North American potato industry leader, exhibited its extensive range of products at CPMA in Vancouver, including their Tasteful Selections and Farmer’s Promise brands. Highlighting its role as a year-round supplier of high-quality potatoes and onions, RPE showcased innovations such as Potatoes Your Way and a variety of packaging solutions emphasizing sustainability and local sourcing. The company also discussed expanding its Canadian supply capabilities, offering more diversity and efficiency in the supply chain to Canadian retailers.
New DJI agricultural drones launch globally with upgraded SmartFarm app
DJI has launched two new drones, the Agras T50 and T25, enhancing its Agras line for both large and small-scale agriculture. The T50 features advanced capabilities like a dual-rotor design and fast charging, ideal for large fields, while the portable T25 suits smaller farms. Both integrate with the SmartFarm app for efficient farm management. These drones aim to boost yield, decrease chemical use, and reduce environmental impact, supporting DJI’s commitment to data safety and precision agriculture.
