Potatoes South Africa on Thursday said there is no shortage of potatoes in the country and has also noted that “the reports of potato shortages and excessively high prices are over exaggerated and unlikely to materialise”.
This comes after producers in Limpopo were severely affected by black frost during the past winter, leading to widespread damage to potato crops.
Reports revealed that the shortage was expected to worsen in September, prompting concerns about the availability of potatoes and frozen chips.
Willie Jacobs, chief executive officer of Potatoes SA, stated that during a survey among their members in Limpopo, it was found that potatoes were in different growing stages when the frost occurred.
This meant that it was unlikely that entire harvests were ruined.
“Frost was widely reported in Limpopo during the winter months of 2024, resulting in limited growth of potatoes. However, a Potatoes SA survey conducted among potato producers in Limpopo shows that potatoes were in different growth stages when the frost occurred, meaning not all potato plantings were ruined,” said Jacobs.
He added that while it had been difficult to quantify the yields lost, data indicated that 3 674 hectares were affected in Limpopo, with a possible average yield loss of 32%.
Jacobs said this was likely to translate into a 3% reduction in potato supply from the five-year average nationwide.
“We expect fewer extra large, and large potatoes and more medium and small potatoes for the period of September and October In Limpopo.
“South Africa is fortunate to have potato production spread across a wide range of regions and provinces. This greatly reduces the risk for weather-related shocks in the market,” he noted
Agbiz chief economist, Wandile Sihlobo, also confirmed on X that there was no shortage of potatoes in SA.
“Our supplies are solid. The black frost impacted potato production in the northern regions of Limpopo. But, the farmers are working hard to close the gap, and the potato deliveries in the various areas are encouraging,” wrote Sihlobo.
Folks, South Africa has no shortage of potatoes.
— Wandile Sihlobo (@WandileSihlobo) August 29, 2024
Our supplies are solid.
The black frost impacted potato production in the northern regions of Limpopo.
But, the farmers are working hard to close the gap, and the potato deliveries in the various areas are encouraging.
Commenting on the situation, @SbuMankwali said: “There’s a high possibility then that the farmers are holding back stock to get high prices. There’s a big shortage in the Durban market.”
@GenduToit wrote: “We still need to watch the prices in the shops. These retailers will jump on any excuse to increase their profits.”
“What are the chances of price gouging, based on that initial report,” queried @SueFay1.