‘Freeze imports, save potato industry’

THE Potato and Vegetable Processors Forum (PVPF) is lobbying for government to institute a temporary prohibition on imports of frozen potato chips from the EU as a consequence of market conditions impacted by Covid-19.

This to protect the sustainability of the potato industry, inclusive of employment by local potato growers and processors in the country, the PVPF said.

PVPF, which includes McCain Foods SA, Potato SA (PSA), Nature’s Garden and Lamberts Bay Foods, said since 2000/01, potatoes accounted for approximately 45% of total vegetable crops produced in the country and contributed around R8.5 billion to the economy.

However, these numbers were under threat due to a surplus of frozen potato products in Europe, a decreased demand brought on by the pandemic and significantly depressed prices.

PSA chief executive André Jooste said the local potato industry had already suffered significantly from a decrease in demand as a result of Covid-19-related regulations such as the closure of restaurants and fast food outlets, restricted trade and the removal of informal traders.

“The result was a significant drop in prices far below break-even prices for producers and a build-up of stock levels in the processing sector. A further blow due to low-priced imports from other countries could be catastrophic,” said Jooste.

According to PVPF, the leading processor of potatoes and vegetable products in the country supports over 6 800 full-time jobs and procures potatoes from more than 100 local farmers.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition did not respond to questions by deadline. |