Peter VanderZaag presented well-received keynote address on “Enabling the Future of Potatoes”
World Potato Congress (WPC) President Peter VanderZaag and WPC International Advisor and CEO of Potatoes South Africa Willie Jacobs had the opportunity to connect in South Africa this July 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.
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.
Potatoes South Africa operates on a simple yet powerful principle: collective support builds collective success. All growers of fresh potatoes contribute an assessment rate on each bag sold, while processors contribute based on the potatoes they receive.
This pooled funding—approximately U.S. $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.
One of PSA’s most impactful initiatives is its Transformation program aimed at developing new potato growers and creating inclusive opportunities across the sector.
