Strategic investments in variety trials and market development are paying off, driving a significant rebound in U.S. seed potato exports to Latin America and revealing substantial new opportunities.
The data from the 2024-2025 season paints a compelling picture of growth and potential. Overall seed potato exports to Central and South America surged by 61% from July 2024 to March 2025, signaling a strong resurgence in demand post-pandemic. This growth is not just quantitative but also geographical, with Panama, Nicaragua, and Uruguay importing U.S. seed for the first time in years.
The cornerstone of this expansion has been a focused strategy of variety trials. In Cuba, a market with immense potential, a critical milestone was achieved with the registration of the Golden Globe variety. This success followed a streamlined trial where varieties were planted just 45 days after port arrival—faster than the historical average. The subsequent plantings of Allegria, Soraya, and Golden Globe showed strong yields in an 81–84 day growing season. With Soraya potentially registering after just three trials (by March 2026), Cuba is poised to become a major export destination.
This model of “trials to trade” is proving effective across the region. In Nicaragua, successful 2023 trials led directly to imports of Golden Globe, with the importer already planning to increase orders. Similarly, Panama imported Soraya as a direct result of Potatoes USA trials. Uruguay, facing supply issues from France, turned to U.S. producers for the Red Magic variety, demonstrating an ability to capitalize on global production shifts and meet demand for both new and standard varieties like Chieftain.
Looking forward, the pipeline for new market entries is active. Efforts are underway to register the Sound variety in Honduras, a variety noted for its outstanding resistance to late blight and strong interest from major retailers. Furthermore, Potatoes USA is exploring opportunities to expand beyond the chipping market in the Dominican Republic by introducing fresh market varieties.
The message for the U.S. seed potato industry is clear: strategic, long-term investment in international market development is yielding tangible returns. The 61% export growth and the successful opening of new markets in Panama, Nicaragua, and Uruguay validate the approach of using targeted variety trials to demonstrate value and build relationships. The pending registrations in key markets like Cuba and Honduras indicate that this growth trajectory is sustainable. For growers and exporters, staying engaged with these programs and understanding the specific varietal needs of each Latin American country is no longer just an opportunity—it’s a critical component of future profitability and market expansion.
