Posts by Louise Lemmer
Precision breeding for resilient spuds
Genetic variation refers to variability between the DNA sequences or genomes of individual living organisms and is the basis of the biodiversity we see around us. Even within a single…
Read MoreMarket monitor: The first 22 weeks of 2024 at fresh produce markets
The average weekly price of potatoes in the first 22 weeks of 2024 reflected an overall downward trend for most of the period, which is the opposite of the 2023…
Read MoreWorld potato markets at a glance
The United States (US) experienced its best month for frozen fry exports in the past 16 months during March. It also proved to be a strong month for US fry…
Read MoreWhy standardised testing is an important industry tool
When potato certification started in South Africa in the 1990s, one of the strategic decisions of the potato industry to ensure the cost-effectiveness of certifying seed potatoes, was the establishment…
Read MoreUnleashing the potential of potatoes
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization Statistics (FAOSTAT), a total of 359 million tonnes of potatoes were produced in 159 countries on 16.5 million hectares of land in 2021.…
Read MoreEmpowering Eastern Cape producers: A path to agricultural transformation
Amid the green fields and fertile soils of South Africa’s agricultural landscape, a stark reality persists, namely the glaring absence and sluggish pace of transformation. Despite the nation’s fervent aspirations…
Read MoreProkon news
During February and March 2024, a total of 15 potato producing regions as well as non-producing suppliers delivered potatoes nationally to fresh produce markets. Average percentage downgraded: 9.54%. Total number…
Read MoreSuspension without pay: An alternative to dismissal
The Labour Relations Act, 1995 (Act 66 of 1995) (LRA) stipulates that all employees must be treated fairly, as unfair suspension may constitute an unfair labour practice in terms of…
Read MoreCapricorn District: Preparing to plant
Despite the below average rainfall realised between February and March in Limpopo this year, developing producers are gearing up for the potato planting season. With its rich soils and favourable…
Read MoreCultivating success: The inspiring journey of Rendani Murovhi
Rendani Murovhi’s journey from being a recipient of a Potatoes SA bursary to becoming a pivotal figure in the potato industry, spans a mere decade. Rendani was born in Chiawelo,…
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