National Chip Program

About

The National Chip Program (NCP) was formed in 2008 after chip potato farmers and processors requested a formal process to test and identify new varieties needed in the industry. This supply-focused program helps growers achieve production goals and supply market demands. Additionally, chip processors gain access to vetted variety candidates that perform exceptionally well, resulting in a profitable, consumer-appealing potato chip.

Current Variety Development Goals

1. Find a Snowden replacement to aid in stronger storage performance with a better chip color later into the storage cycle.
2. Identify an Atlantic replacement for out-of-the-field producers, especially for humid growing environments, with less susceptibility to heat necrosis.

These two developments help ensure a 12-month supply of chipping potatoes. The program continually searches for varieties that contribute to a healthy supply chain.

NCP’s Network

The comprehensive network of contributing breeders, trial sites, and disease testing services has evolved to include the following:

• 13 breeders
• 1 EGSS trial site
• 9 NCPT1 and NCPT2 trial sites
• 12 SNAC field trial sites
• 5 SNAC storage sites
• Late-stage NEXGEN trials that incorporate 6-8 commercial growers and 4-6 chip processors in an average year
• 5-6 mini-tuber and seed growers