Potato farms hit by frost and floods

Mother nature has been particularly hard on potato farmers in South Africa.

Potatoes South Africa reported that the industry had lost at least 6million 10kg pockets of potatoes this year, largely due to flooding and frost.

As a result of a history of poor harvests, chip maker Simba has adopted an "agricultural turnaround plan" which involves growing potatoes in frost-free areas and increasing storage capacity.

In July and last month, the company struggled with potato supplies.

It has experienced supply problems over the past four years.

In a letter to customers, Simba CEO Alan Henderson apologised for the shortage of products in July and last month.

"Cold weather and the resultant frost arrived on the Highveld bang on time and, as such, potato crops were impacted," Henderson said.

"To date we have rejected 10 000 tons of potatoes due to defects and low solids. To produce Simba and Lays chips with these potatoes would have meant the quality of products would not have been acceptable," said Henderson.

Potatoes with a low concentration of water and high solids are used to make the company's snacks.

Mark du Plessis, CEO of Potatoes South Africa, said that through regional potato working groups, farmers were evaluating new varieties as well as undergoing trials and introducing new technology to tackle the challenges.

"Our core focus is to ensure the sustainable future of potato farming in South Africa," Du Plessis said.

In the past three to four years, the number of potato farmers dropped from more than 1000 to less than 700.

Last year the industry lost 10million 10kg pockets of potatoes due to water and frost damage.

Du Plessis said on average every person in South Africa consumed 37kg of potatoes per year, 20% of which were processed products, such as potato snacks.