W22: Potato Update

In W22 in the potato landscape, potato exports in Q1 of 2023 amounted to USD 542,614 in Peru, with 81% value-added and 19% fresh or refrigerated. The main markets were South America, with Bolivia, Chile, the United States, Uruguay, and Mexico. Peru exported potatoes in their traditional and organic presentation. The Minister of Agrarian Development and Irrigation of Peru highlighted the success of processed native potatoes, which have been exported to international markets, such as the US, Canada, Germany, France, Chile, and Bolivia. National Agrarian Health Service (Senasa) works to prevent phytosanitary problems caused by common pests and quarantine pests in Peru's 330Kha of potato crops. It has trained 11,042 producers and developed 625 field schools to strengthen their knowledge in good agricultural practices. SENASA also works with 900 potato seed producers to maintain constant monitoring in the process of registration, authorization and quality certification of Andean tuber seeds, which can improve production yield by up to 70%. Peru is the leading potato producer in Latin America and has phytosanitary protocols to access 14 international markets. Michigan is recognized as a leading producer of potatoes in the United States, with an annual production of nearly two billion pounds. However, the state's potato crop is facing a potential threat from a disease known as potato early die complex. This disease could affect approximately 25% to 33% of the potato crop in Michigan, primarily due to environmental factors, the growing emphasis on food sustainability, and the transition from extensive farming to commercial farming practices.

A study conducted by scientists at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and The Rural Economy and Agricultural Society in Sweden developed a mechanistic simulation model to assess potato yield losses caused by Phytophthora infestans. Northern Ireland potato crops are being hit by changing weather, leading to a potato shortage. Potato producers believe climate change is playing a part, with 2022 being one of the driest years across Europe. This will have implications for the consumer and food businesses, as the market has skyrocketed due to the lack of potatoes over the next two or three months. South Africa has a land area of approximately 122.3Mha, with an annual potato planting of around 52,355ha. According to Potatoes South Africa statistics, 83% of the potato land is irrigated, utilizing systems of pipes, pumps, and sprinklers to deliver water to the crops. The remaining 17% relies on rainwater for irrigation. Despite these irrigation practices, the potato sector in South Africa encounters various challenges. It was reported that in May 2023, the price of potatoes in Istanbul witnessed a significant increase of 31.03%.

In Thailand, drip irrigation helps Chiang Rai's potato farmers achieve 23% higher production and 81% higher net profit, while also helping to strengthen Thailand's food stability. Idaho state's congressional delegation sent a letter to the USDA urging them to push Japanese officials to buy fresh potatoes. Japan has no valid justification for the ban, but the Idaho Potato Commission believes it is protecting its local farmers. A global network dedicated to the potato industry has been established through the collaboration of eleven countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), including China and Pakistan, along with international universities, corporations, and organizations. This global network unveiled at a forum hosted by Southwest University in China, is dedicated to advancing the potato industry. The primary objective of this initiative is to foster growth and innovation within the potato sector. Southwest University played a leading role in spearheading this initiative.