The South African Potato Industry: Tour and Innovation Symposium impressions, by WPC President Peter VanderZaag

World Potato Congress President, Peter VanderZaag, along with WPC International Advisor and CEO of Potatoes South Africa, Willie Jacobs, had the opportunity to connect in South Africa last week during the Potatoes South Africa (PSA) 2025 Innovation Symposium. It was also an excellent opportunity to meet with producers in the country and learn more about the PSA industry.

Dr. Peter VanderZaag and local farmers tour a lush potato field in South Africa during the Potatoes SA 2025 Innovation Symposium.

South Africa may not always top the list of global potato-producing nations, but Potatoes South Africa is rapidly proving itself as a global leader in building a robust, inclusive, and innovative potato sector. With over 500 commercial growers cultivating more than 52,000 hectares and producing upwards of 2.6 million tonnes of potatoes annually, PSA is demonstrating the transformative power of a grower-owned and -driven model.

Over 100 workers harvesting potatoes destined for chipping—a snapshot of rural employment and food production driven by PSA’s grower-owned model.

A Grower-Owned Success Story

Potatoes South Africa operates on a simple yet powerful principle: collective support builds collective success. All growers of ware potatoes contribute a levy on each bag sold, while processors contribute based on the potatoes they receive. This pooled funding—approximately USD 3.4 million annually—sustains a comprehensive strategy divided across four key areas: Innovation & Research, Transformation, Marketing, and Promotion.

Around 38% of the annual budget goes toward operational needs, with the remaining funds nearly equally divided to strengthen the entire value chain. PSA's model ensures that research, emerging farmer development, and market-building receive consistent and targeted investment.

Transformation: Empowering the Next Generation

One of PSA’s most impactful initiatives is its Transformation program, aimed at developing new potato growers and creating inclusive opportunities across the sector. In collaboration with Khula (a smart farming support platform backed by CSR-driven entrepreneurs) and government grants, the program equips emerging farmers with technical training, irrigation infrastructure, and post-harvest tools.

President Peter VanderZaag with farmer Mashoto Ramafalo, of Limpopo province , a participant in PSA’s Transformation program.

A recent site visit by Dr. Peter VanderZaag, President of the World Potato Congress (WPC), to several new potato growers in Limpopo province revealed both promise and progress. These growers, ranging from recent entrants to those with five or more years of experience, are already making tangible contributions to food production and rural employment. Each farm is estimated to benefit more than 500 people, demonstrating how agriculture can serve as a powerful engine for local economic growth.

While challenges remain—including infrastructure and post-harvest handling capacity—the support from PSA and Khula has enabled these farmers to establish themselves with confidence. There is strong potential for future improvements through cooperative models and shared facilities.

Innovation Rooted in Research

Scientific advancement is at the heart of PSA’s strategy. The organization funds research across universities and government institutions in fields critical to the industry: crop and soil health, digital agriculture, post-harvest quality, and alternative uses for potatoes, among others. 

This commitment comes to life every two years at PSA’s Innovation Symposium, held in Pretoria. The event provides a platform for researchers to present findings and, uniquely, to engage directly with growers in facilitated panel discussions. This dynamic structure encourages accountability and relevance, ensuring that the research funded meets real-world farming needs.

This year’s symposium attracted 380 participants and featured presentations on alternate uses for potatoes, irrigation optimization and soil health, crop protection and risk management, understanding the root biome, enhancing efficiency and post-harvest quality and enabling the future of farming.

Dr. VanderZaag was invited as the closing keynote speaker and presented on “Enabling the Future of Potatoes”, highlighting emerging global innovations and their potential relevance to the South African context. The enthusiastic response reflected a strong appetite among local growers for forward-thinking, practical solutions.

Looking Toward WPC 2026 in Kenya

The symposium also served as a launchpad for building momentum toward the upcoming World Potato Congress in Kenya (2026). Interest among attendees was high with many participants expected from South Africa to the October 2026 event. The Congress aims to bring together global and African growers, researchers, and industry leaders to share practical knowledge and collaborative strategies for advancing potato production worldwide.

Dr. Peter VanderZaag, President of the World Potato Congress (WPC):

"PSA’s CEO, Willie Jacobs, has played a pivotal role in shaping both national and international dialogue around potatoes. His insights and leadership continue to guide how the industry evolves to meet future challenges with coordinated action and innovation."

A Model for the World

With an average yield of 50 tonnes per hectare—among the highest globally—South Africa’s potato sector is not only productive, but a model of how strategic coordination, research-driven growth, and inclusive transformation can deliver results. PSA’s integrated approach, from field to market, is strengthening the entire value chain and ensuring long-term sustainability.