News on The Potato Supply Chain from South Africa

March 23, 2016

Blemishes of Table Potatoes: Common Biotic Causes

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.

February 07, 2016

Drought in South Africa pushes potato prices to the highest level ever

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.

August 06, 2013

South-Africa meets first Dewulf potato harvester

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

July 31, 2013

Frozen Potato Chips (French Fries) trade war between South Africa and the European Union

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.

February 11, 2013

Potatoes South Africa: the way forward

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.

August 01, 2012

Global warming could benefit potato industry

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

July 20, 2012

Potatoes to get brand boost in South Africa

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 ...

May 02, 2012

Imports could mean it’s chips for jobs in South African potato processing industry

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).

April 30, 2012

Imported French fries – a hot potato topic for the South African economy

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.

September 13, 2011

Floods and Frost result in potato chips shortage in 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...

July 06, 2011

New classification system for table potatoes in South Africa

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.

August 03, 2010

Por inclemencias climáticas Mc Cain Sudáfrica debe importar papa procesada de Argentina.

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...

August 02, 2010

McCain: Not enough potatoes for processing in South Africa

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.

July 27, 2010

Potato prices in South Africa could rise due to frost damage

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...

October 20, 2009

South African Government rejects genetically modified potato

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...

October 15, 2009

South Africa planning to ban trans fats in foods

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...

February 05, 2009

Lower 2008 Potato Prices in South Africa not fully passed on to consumers

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...

September 11, 2008

Tuber Moth resistant GM potato of no use for South Africa

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 ...

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