Key Highlights

• National Potato Fair 2026 held at Modipuram
• 350 farmers and stakeholders attended
• 20 stalls displayed new potato technologies
• Experts shared details on new varieties and seed methods

The ICAR–Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Regional Station Modipuram, Meerut, hosted National Potato Fair 2026 on National Potato Day. The one-day event brought together farmers, scientists, industry members and officials to discuss new work in potato farming and research.

Focus on New Varieties and Natural Farming

Shri Rajkumar Sangwan, Member of Parliament from Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, attended as Chief Guest. He spoke about the need to promote natural and organic farming methods.

Scientists from ICAR shared updates on improved potato varieties. These included nutrient-rich, heat-tolerant and disease-resistant types. Experts also explained virus-free seed production methods and modern crop management practices.

Farmers had the chance to speak directly with scientists during technical sessions. Many raised field-level problems and received practical advice.

Senior Officials and Research Roadmap

Senior ICAR officials present included Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh and Dr. Sudhakar Pandey from ICAR New Delhi, along with Dr. Sunil Kumar from the ICAR–Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research, Modipuram.

Dr. Brajesh Singh, Director of ICAR-CPRI Shimla, spoke about the institute’s work in potato research and its plans for the coming years.

Also read: Best Climate and Soil Conditions for Potato Farming

Exhibition and Participation

A technical exhibition with 20 stalls was also part of the fair. It displayed improved potato varieties, production tools, bio-inputs, potato-based products and drone use in agriculture. Two institute publications were released during the programme.

Around 350 participants from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand and Karnataka attended the event. Progressive farmers were honoured during the programme.

The National Potato Fair aimed to share updated knowledge on production, crop protection and post-harvest handling. By linking farmers with scientists and industry experts, the event sought to strengthen potato farming across the region.

Image credit: ICAR 
News source: ICAR 

Key Highlights

• Ben Sklarczyk elected 2026 President of NPC
• Third-generation grower from Michigan
• Long-time board member with past leadership roles
• Focus on trade, nutrition policy and grower advocacy

The National Potato Council has elected Ben Sklarczyk as its President for 2026. The decision was made during the NPC Washington Summit and confirmed at the Annual Meeting of Voting Delegates on February 23. Sklarczyk will serve for the next 12 months.

A Grower with Deep Roots

Sklarczyk is a third-generation potato grower from Johannesburg, Michigan. He owns Sklarczyk Seed Farm, a hydroponic seed potato business in his hometown. He took full ownership of the farm ten years ago with his wife, Alison, purchasing it from his father, Don Sklarczyk, who also served as NPC President in 2007.

Although he grew up working on the farm, Sklarczyk first studied mechanical engineering at Western Michigan University. After his first semester, he shifted focus and transferred to Michigan State University, earning a degree in agriculture in 2003.

Years of Industry Service

Sklarczyk has been active with NPC since the early 2000s and joined its Board of Directors in 2010. Over nearly a decade on the Executive Committee, he held several roles, including First Vice President and Vice President positions covering finance, environmental affairs, grower outreach and industry research.

As President, he plans to focus on federal dietary guidelines, global trade fairness for U.S. potatoes and removal of trade barriers. He also stressed the need for growers to stay involved with state and federal lawmakers so the industry’s voice is heard.

Also read: Idaho Potatoes vs Russet Potatoes – What’s the Real Difference?

Leadership Team for 2026

The 2026 Executive Committee includes leaders from major potato-growing states such as Idaho, Washington, Oregon and North Dakota. The Immediate Past President is Ted Tschirky of Pasco, Washington.

NPC represents U.S. potato growers in Washington, D.C., addressing policy matters debated in Congress and rules proposed by federal agencies.

Summit Focus

The 2026 NPC Washington Summit took place from February 23–26. Growers and industry members met with Members of Congress and the administration. Topics included keeping potatoes in federal nutrition programs, supporting fair-trade agreements and funding research to protect long-term industry health.

With years of leadership experience and a family history in the sector, Sklarczyk now steps into the top role at NPC. His focus will center on trade, policy and keeping potatoes strong in the U.S. market.

Image credit: nationalpotatocouncil
News source: nationalpotatocouncil

Key Highlight

• SACAPP will hold its 27th annual potato conference in Dundee on 5 February.
• Speakers from Japan, Scotland and Orkney will share new ideas and farm lessons.
• Talks will cover water scarcity, data use and ways to use harvest waste.
• The event aims to help producers face new pressures in the sector.

Potato growers and experts from across the UK will meet in Dundee on Thursday 5 February for the 27th SAC Association of Potato Producers (SACAPP) conference. The event, run by SAC Consulting, will give producers a chance to hear fresh ideas, learn from other farms and talk about shared pressures in the sector.

Wide range of talks lined up

This year’s theme is “Driving potato production success with data and innovation.” Dr Kerry Leslie of SAC Consulting said the aim is to help the sector adjust to rising pressures and keep improving. She noted that the mix of talks and knowledge sessions should give growers useful lessons they can take back to their farms.

Speakers from Japan will open the programme. Ren Okamura and Hiroto Sugiura of Calbee Potato spent time with the SAC team earlier this year. They will talk about their work back home and what they learned while visiting Scotland.

Water use and farm practice under focus

Water scarcity will be another key point. The Centre of Expertise for Waters (CREW) has been studying how farms can cope with tighter water supplies. Gavin Prentice from SAC Consulting will take the audience through recent work on water resilience and irrigation methods suited for Scotland.

Growers will also hear from Orkney farmer James Thorburn of Farewell Farms. As the most northerly commercial potato producer in the UK, he will share the challenges he has faced and how he has managed to keep output strong.

Also read: Why Food Manufacturers Are Picking Potato Starch

New uses for potato waste

One of the lighter but eye-catching items on the agenda comes from Jacob Smith of Fibe, a clothing maker that uses potato harvest waste to make fabric. He will explain how the idea works and how waste that would once be thrown out can now support a new line of products.

Closing remarks from Scotland’s plant health lead

The event will end with a talk from Dr David Kenyon, now head of Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) and Scotland’s chief plant health officer. His closing remarks will look at sector needs and the role of plant health in keeping farms safe.

With a full day of speakers and lessons from home and abroad, the conference aims to give growers new ideas to help them deal with fresh pressures and find better ways to run their farms.

Source: SAC Consulting
Image credit: SAC Consulting

Key Highlights:

• Tour of Southland postponed due to severe weather in Southland.
• Potatoes New Zealand expresses support and understanding.
• The organization sponsors the Potatoes Powering Performance team.
• CEO Kate Trufitt praises organizers for prioritising safety.

Potatoes New Zealand has expressed its disappointment and support following the postponement of the 69th Tour of Southland cycling event. The decision came after severe weather caused widespread damage across the region, affecting both communities and infrastructure.

The organization, which sponsors the Potatoes Powering Performance team “Onya Bike 1.5,” had planned to cheer on its riders, including several potato growers who were set to take part in the event.

Chief Executive Kate Trufitt said the decision to delay the race was understandable, given the scale of the recent storms and the need to focus on safety and recovery. “Our thoughts are with everyone across Southland who has been affected by the weather. The organizers have made a responsible decision in the interests of safety and practicality,” she said.

Trufitt added that Potatoes New Zealand had been eager to support the team and watch growers compete in such a major sporting event. “We remain committed to backing the team when a new date is confirmed and look forward to celebrating the resilience and spirit that define both our growers and the Southland community,” she said.

The group also recognized the work of event organizers, volunteers and sponsors who contribute to staging the Tour each year. “Putting together a national event of this scale takes huge effort. We commend everyone involved for their dedication in these tough circumstances,” the organization said in a statement.

Potatoes New Zealand noted that the Tour of Southland shares many of the same values that drive the country’s potato industry, teamwork, endurance and community connection. These, the organization said, are qualities that help both farmers and athletes overcome challenges and stay strong through adversity.

While the postponement is disappointing for participants and supporters, Potatoes New Zealand says the decision is the right one for the safety of all involved. The organization looks forward to the event’s return once conditions improve, reaffirming its support for the riders, organizers, and the Southland community.

Source: Potatoes New Zealand