CHIPS Archives

Late blight of potato in South Africa

March 10, 2026

Few plant diseases have shaped agricultural history quite like late blight of potato. Caused by the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora infestans, this destructive pathogen is best known for triggering the Irish…

Northeastern Cape cultivar trial under dryland conditions at Ugie in 2024/25

March 10, 2026

The Northeastern Cape is a potato producing region where approximately 2.3% of South Africa’s commercial potatoes are produced on approximately 1 160 ha. The most prominent cultivars produced in the…

Belyn jou bemarkingstrategie vir ’n digitale toekoms

March 9, 2026

Met aartappelpryse in Suid-Afrika wat onder druk bly, word dit al hoe belangriker vir produsente om nie net meer doeltreffend te boer nie, maar veral slimmer te bemark. Produsente wat…

World potato markets: Large volumes and tariffs

March 9, 2026

While it is the world’s largest importer of potatoes, the United States (US) is neither the world’s largest producer nor its largest exporter of the commodity. Yet, developments in the…

Market monitor: The first five weeks of 2026 at fresh produce markets

March 9, 2026

The average weekly price of potatoes during the first five weeks of 2026 at South Africa’s fresh produce markets (FPMs) showed a week-on-week increase of 1%. Figure 1, which tracks…

GRIMME Africa: Spearheading technology in South Africa and Sub-Sahara Africa

March 9, 2026

The grand opening of GRIMME Africa’s new branch at Fisantekraal in Durbanville, Cape Town, on 30 January brought together the Grimme family, friends, dealers, and producers to celebrate and welcome…

New harvest, new opportunities

March 9, 2026

South Africa’s potato industry is entering a moment of quiet reinvention. From changing consumer demand and new market channels to innovations on the farm and beyond the packhouse, fresh opportunities…