The North America Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) and the Potato Association of America (PAA) co-hosted a groundbreaking Potato Storage Symposium in Madison, Wisconsin, drawing growers, researchers, and industry specialists. Attendees hailed it as one of the most practical and relevant discussions on storage in years, emphasizing real-world solutions over theoretical approaches.
Global Expertise Meets Regional Challenges
The symposium opened with Kürt Demeulemeester (Inagro, EAPR Vice President) sharing Europe’s advancements in alternative sprout suppression and climate-based curing models. With the phase-out of CIPC (chlorpropham), European growers have adopted integrated storage solutions, proving that chemical-free storage is achievable with proper planning.
Following this, Dr. Nora Olsen (University of Idaho) and Dr. Jeff Miller (Miller Research) presented critical findings on disease management, variety-specific storage risks, and fungicide efficacy. Their research highlighted how late-season storage conditions can drastically impact tuber quality, reinforcing the need for tailored storage protocols.
Engineering the Future of Storage Facilities
Mark Rice’s session on structural engineering underscored the importance of airflow optimization and facility modernization, especially as climate change introduces new temperature and humidity challenges. Key takeaways included:
- Thermodynamic efficiency in storage design reduces energy costs.
- Retrofitting older facilities can improve performance without full rebuilds.
- Sensor-based aeration systems are becoming essential for precision storage.
Real-World Insights from Growers & Industry Leaders
A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Gustavo Teixeira (University of Idaho) featured Dale Nelson (Nelson Storage Systems), AJ Bussan (Wysocki Family Farms), and Morgan Smolarek (McCain Foods). They shared hands-on experiences, such as:
- Managing high-temperature incoming loads (80°F+) without compromising quality.
- Combating condensation and humidity in aging storage units.
- The economic trade-offs between infrastructure upgrades and storage losses.
As Bussan noted, “Storage isn’t just about technology—it’s about knowing your crop, your system, and your margins.”
What’s Next? NAPSO’s Expansion and Industry Demand
Post-event surveys revealed strong interest in deeper dives into:
- Box storage dynamics
- Economic impacts of storage decisions
- Sanitation and airflow optimization
Additionally, NAPSO announced NAPSO+, an initiative expanding its focus to onion storage and other high-value crops, while maintaining its potato-centric core. Upcoming webinar series will cover:
- Chemical-free sprout control
- Multi-crop storage retrofits
- Automation and sensor-driven aeration
A New Era for Post-Harvest Management
The symposium proved that storage is no longer an afterthought—it’s a critical factor in profitability and sustainability. With NAPSO leading the charge, the industry is moving toward collaborative, science-backed storage solutions that benefit growers, processors, and researchers alike.
For those invested in agricultural innovation, staying engaged with NAPSO’s initiatives could be the key to future-proofing post-harvest operations.
