News on The Potato Supply Chain from South Africa

Potato tubers are affected by a number of blemishes, which can cause severe economic losses. This 'Focus on Potato' presentation by Jacquie van der Waals, Professor at the University of Pretoria in South Africa can serve as a guide for growers and others in the potato industry to help with identification of these blemishes.

Drought and hot conditions since September 2015 have a negative impact on yields in almost all the potato production regions in South Africa. Currently market prices are at the highest levels ever, while potato stock levels are at record low levels.

Dewulf, specialist in harvesting technology of potatoes and carrots, introduced its first potato harvester in South-Africa earlier this year.

South Africa and the European Union (EU) are headed for another bruising dispute over trade access. At issue this time around are frozen potato chips (frozen french fries) from the EU.

Prof André Jooste recently took over as CEO of Potatoes South Africa (PSA), after nearly six years at the National Agriculture Marketing Council (NAMC). He spoke to Robyn Joubert of Farmers Weekly (South Africa) about his vision for the future.

Climate change could result in a positive outcome for the potato industry and possibly lead to potatoes becoming one of the top staple crops in the world

A new brand campaign for Potatoes South Africa (PSA), the official representative of potato producers in South Africa, wishes to change South Africans into a Potato Nation that maintains balanced diets and make potatoes the everyday, fat-free heart of ...

Imported frozen french fries are threatening the livelihood of more than 11 000 workers in the potato processing industry, says producers association Potatoes SA (PSA).

Potatoes South Africa (PSA) has recently turned to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries, as well as the Minister of Trade & Industry, in order to address the influx of frozen French fries into South Africa.

Potatoes South Africa reported that the potato industry in South Africa had lost at least 60.000 tons of potatoes this year, largely due to flooding and frost. As a result of a history of poor harvests, chip maker Simba (Pepsico/Frito-Lay) has adopted...

Researchers in South Africa have completed a classification system for potatoes based on the textural attributes of the most popular varieties grown and consumed in that country.

Sudáfrica se ha visto afectada por la escasez de papa en todo el país debido a las adversas condiciones climáticas que afectan la oferta, calidad y precios de la papa congelada. "Las fuertes lluvias que se produjeron a principios del 2010, ocasio...

South Africa has been hit by a countrywide potato shortage due to adverse climactic conditions which will affect supply, quality and pricing of frozen potato products.

South African consumers might have to pay more for potatoes due to recent frost damage as the harvest season gets under way next month.The industry lost 25 000 tons of potatoes during the mid-June cold snap.But Potatoes South Africa said the upward adj...

The South African government has rejected the Agriculture Research Council’s (ARC’s) application to provide genetically modified potatoes to local farmers, saying it was concerned about its safety and economic effect. “This is probably the mo...

In South Africa,  Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has told Parliament that his department intends to introduce rules banning industrially produced trans fats in all processed and prepared foods.Giving a written reply on Thursday to a question from the...

The full benefit of lower potato prices in 2008 was not passed on to the consumer, Potatoes SA (PSA) said on Tuesday. During 2008, the producer price of potatoes dropped by 45 percent, Mark du Plessis, CEO of PSA said. However, the average retail pr...

A pest-resistant strain of genetically modified potato, earmarked for possible commercial release in South Africa, will be of no use to local spud farmers, said the African Centre for Biosafety (ACB) this week. It will also increase risk to the farmer ...