Cuba has the potential to become the largest export market for U.S. seed potatoes in the Americas outside of Canada. The country has imported an average of 15,079 metric tons (331,738 cwt) of seed potatoes over the past five years, but entry requirements are strict, with variety registration historically requiring at least four years of trial results.
In November 2024, three seed potato varieties were sent to Cuba for trials and planted by January 9, 2025, around 45 days after arrival. This was shorter than the historical average of 55 days between port arrival and planting. The trial, planted between January 6–9, was harvested on April 1 after a growing season of 81–84 days. The varieties Allegria, Soraya, and Golden Globe showed strong yields. Earlier planting is expected to further improve results.
This was the fourth trial for Golden Globe and the second for Eva, Soraya, and Alegria. Golden Globe has now been successfully registered, opening the way for commercial sales of the variety in Cuba. Further shipments are scheduled for October, including Soraya for additional trials and Golden Globe for demonstration plots. Cuban officials have indicated that Soraya may be registered after three trials, potentially by March 2026.
Central and South America seed potato exports expand
Between July 2024 and March 2025, U.S. seed potato exports to Central and South America increased by 61 percent, driven largely by renewed demand for fresh market seed following reduced purchases during the pandemic.
Several markets reopened during this period. Panama, Nicaragua, and Uruguay imported U.S. seed potatoes for the first time since the pandemic. Uruguay, which has imported the variety Red Magic from France for several years, turned to U.S. suppliers following French production shortfalls. The country is also showing demand for other red-skinned varieties such as Chieftain.
Panama imported the variety Soraya, following 2023 variety trials in the country, while Nicaragua imported Golden Globe, also linked to trials carried out in 2023. The Nicaraguan importer plans to expand orders of Golden Globe and has expressed interest in additional new varieties.
Future trial initiatives in the region
New trials are being considered to expand U.S. seed potato exports. In the Dominican Republic, discussions are underway to extend imports beyond the chipping sector to fresh market varieties. In Honduras, trials for the variety Sound were conducted at six sites in 2024. Efforts are underway to register Sound, which has attracted interest due to its resistance to late blight. If registered, commercial imports could begin later in 2025.
For more information:
Potatoes USA
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