| Certified seed potatoes are produced by approximately 200 registered seed potato growers under the supervision and administration of the Potato Certification Service. Any potato producer who is able to comply with the requirements of the South African Seed Potato Certification Scheme may apply for registration as a seed grower.
Stringent requirements are set in respect of the production of seed potatoes and certification officials from the Potato Certification Service ensure, by means of field and tuber inspections, that requirements are met.
Laboratory tests are conducted on seed tubers with regard to certain bacterial diseases and viruses before certification is confirmed.
The process of certification is monitored by a sophisticated data management system.
Approximately 10 000 hectares are registered annually for seed production.
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