Land-grant universities are collaborating to support the United States Potato Genebank in its endeavors to conduct potato research, support creation of new potato varieties, and conserve specimens to overcome future growing challenges, like droughts, natural disasters, or emerging pests and diseases.

The researchers mention that improving potato varieties will impact everything from agricultural productivity, jobs and consumer health.

“The Genebank is helping sustain one of the most universally affordable and nutritious crops for future generations,” says Dr. John Bamberg, project leader for the US Potato Genebank. “In addition, the benefits to consumers are extensive. For example, new varieties of potatoes with higher levels of essential nutrients can promote good health of U.S. citizens.”

Developing new potato varieties also has a huge economic impact. The value of potato production in the U.S. was around USD3.9bn in 2015, with over USD1.3bn in exports, but those numbers could soar.

The land-grant universities cooperating with the U.S. Potato Genebank include:

• Colorado State University
• Michigan State University
• University of Minnesota
• North Carolina State University
• Oregon State University
• University of Wisconsin
• North Dakota State University
• University of Idaho
• University of Arizona
• University of Nevada
• University of California
• University of Florida
• Virginia Tech
• Washington State University
• Texas A&M University