Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
The Weenen regional meeting, held on 18 September this year, brought together key stakeholders from the potato industry for an in-depth discussion on market trends, ongoing research initiatives, and upcoming projects. Attendees included representatives from Potatoes SA and fresh produce markets (FPMs), as well as seed agents and producers, and the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Agriculture.
Potato industry news
The meeting focussed on the critical area of research, with updates presented by Dr Khethuxolo Mbotho from the KZN Department of Agriculture’s Cedara facility. Dr Mbotho reported that heavy rainfall earlier in the year led to significant potato rot. Producers, however, expressed disappointment over the exclusion of high-performing potato cultivars from the trials, prompting seed producers to urge all producers to actively engage in future trials. Additional concerns were raised regarding the banning of certain fungicides. Willie Jacobs, CEO of Potatoes SA, shared potato research plans and projects. Jodie Hattingh, data analyst at Potatoes SA, presented industry data trends and marketing information. She indicated that two million more 10 kg potato bags were sold in August this year compared to August 2024. She said that the current low prices producers receive for their products at FPMs are primarily due to the oversupply of potatoes.
Market dynamics
A key point of discussion was the challenging market conditions affecting potato trade. The discussion was initiated by an agent from Durban Market, who shared positive news that the municipality has allocated a budget for market upgrades, with improvements already underway.
Potatoes SA app
Producers were strongly encouraged to make use of the Potatoes SA mobile app, which provides essential data such as weather and daily updates on FPM activity – including deliveries, sales volumes, and pricing.
The meeting concluded with additional discussions, including a suggestion to explore the use of 15 kg potato bags, as well as a brief conversation regarding the use of surplus potatoes to produce vodka and other products. The chairperson expressed his appreciation to all attendees for their meaningful contributions. – Chantal van Staden and Dikgetho Mokoena, Potatoes SA
For more information, email Chantal van Staden at chantal@potatoes.co.za or Dikgetho Mokoena at dikgetho@potatoes.co.za