Press release
South Africa will join the global observance of the United Nations’ International Day of the Potato on May 30, with Potatoes South Africa (Potatoes SA) coordinating events aimed at raising awareness about the importance of potatoes in food security, nutrition, and rural livelihoods.
This year’s global theme, “Shaping History, Feeding the Future,” emphasizes the potato’s historical contributions to human progress and its ongoing role in sustainable agriculture and nutrition.
In South Africa, Potatoes SA will host Fresh Produce Market Days at two of the country’s largest municipal markets—Cape Town on May 27 and Johannesburg on May 30. The events will provide a platform for producers, market buyers, seed suppliers, and the public to engage with information about the benefits of potatoes.
The events will feature live outdoor radio broadcasts, with discussions involving industry leaders and producers, alongside displays of South Africa’s diverse potato varieties and their culinary applications. Educational materials will highlight the nutritional value of potatoes and their role in daily diets.
Willie Jacobs, CEO of Potatoes SA, stated that potatoes remain one of the world’s top five staple crops and play a critical role in South Africa’s food security and rural income.
South Africa is one of the leading potato producers in Africa, cultivating an average of 51,572 hectares annually, resulting in over 107 million 10kg bags sold through national Fresh Produce Markets over the past five years. The country’s current per capita potato consumption stands at 37 kilograms per year, with a target to increase this to over 40 kg in the coming years.
Industry stakeholders and seed suppliers will participate in the events, providing insights into the range of potato cultivars grown in the country, from table and processing varieties to specialty types suited to different climates. Sheila Makgato, Digital Marketing Coordinator at Potatoes SA, highlighted that the initiative aims to increase public understanding of the potato supply chain, from seed to market.
Photo: Pixabay on Pexels
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