Seed potatoes 

Potato Certification Service

Successful potato production is to a large extent dependent on the quality of the planting material.  Due to the susceptibility of the potato to several transmissible diseases, it is not possible to multiply the same seed source for an indefinite period of time.

The South African potato industry has a sophisticated seed potato industry which plays a vital role in the growth of the ware potato and processing industries.

Dedicated seed potato growers supply the potato industry with healthy planting material.  Planting material is multiplied according to certain requirements, a process controlled by Potato Certification Service.

Only laboratories registered with the Department of Agriculture and accredited by the Independant Council for the Certification of Seed Potatoes are allowed to conduct laboratory tests on seed tubers with regard to certain bacterial diseases and viruses before certification is confirmed.