The Potatoes SA transformation programme helps emerging black potato farmers become sustainable commercial producers through funding support, mentorship, technical training and market access. African Farming spoke to Rendani Murovhi, transformation manager at Potatoes SA, about the programme.
By Lebogang Mashala, editor at African Farming
What are the minimum requirements for young or emerging farmers to qualify for the Enterprise Development Programme (EDP), and how does Potatoes SA identify new talent?
Farmers must have access to suitable land for potato production, whether through ownership, a lease agreement or a permission-to-occupy (PTO) certificate. The programme requires a minimum of 20 hectares of arable land, allowing least 5 hectares to be planted while leaving enough land for crop rotation.
Applicants must also have a functional irrigation system capable of covering at least 5 hectares, preferably under centre-pivot or sprinkler irrigation, although farms in reliable rainfall areas may also qualify.
In addition, farmers must intend producing potatoes commercially, operate through a registered business, and be willing to participate in training, mentorship and reporting activities. They must also demonstrate sufficient cash flow or co-funding to maintain the approved crop.
Young farmers with no previous potato production experience are encouraged to apply, provided they meet these requirements. The programme provides both technical and business mentorship to help build their capacity.
Applications are submitted through our online process. Suitable applicants undergo further screening, followed by a comprehensive farm assessment before the Potato Technical Advisory Committee makes the final decision.
Potato farming is highly capital-intensive. How does Potatoes SA help new-generation farmers overcome the high cost of seed, machinery and production inputs?
We support farmers through certified seed, technical mentorship and exposure to the broader potato industry. Recognising that successful production requires more than seed alone, we also contribute towards key production inputs such as fertilisers and crop protection products.
Our current support model follows a stepped four-year approach, providing 75% support in the first and second years, followed by 50% support in the third and fourth years. While financial assistance gradually decreases, technical and business mentorship remains consistent throughout the programme.
The objective is not to create dependency but to help farmers establish viable businesses that can eventually operate independently as sustainable commercial enterprises.
Previously, the programme focused mainly on seed subsidies, covering 100% in the first year, 75% in the second, 50% in the third and 25% in the fourth. The revised model extends support beyond seed to include broader production inputs, subject to programme compliance.
Where projects show strong potential, Potatoes SA also helps to connect farmers with government departments and other funding institutions, and may assist with business plans and funding proposals where appropriate.
How are emerging farmers matched with experienced commercial mentors, and how do you ensure these mentorships translate into long-term commercial success?
Mentorship is one of the cornerstones of the programme. Every participant receives ongoing technical and business guidance to help them manage production efficiently and overcome operational challenges.
Participation in mentorship and training is compulsory throughout the four-year programme. While financial support reduces over time, mentorship remains unchanged to ensure farmers continue receiving consistent guidance as they assume greater responsibility for their businesses.
Our goal is to develop independent commercial farmers. By the end of the programme, participants should be confident, market-ready producers capable of operating sustainable potato businesses without relying on continued programme support.
Access to markets is often a bigger challenge than production itself. How does Potatoes SA help emerging farmers secure sustainable markets?
Market access is central to our enterprise development strategy. We equip farmers with reliable market intelligence, including price trends, expected volumes and changing market conditions so they can make informed production decisions.
Farmers also report regularly on crop development and market arrangements, including off-take agreements or letters of intent from buyers.
Our philosophy is simple: Production must be market-led from the outset. Before planting, farmers should understand buyer specifications, quality standards, expected prices and required volumes.
Industry events, demonstration days and stakeholder engagements further connect farmers with processors, fresh produce markets, retailers and other value chain partners, helping them establish long-term commercial relationships.
With climate change and increasing water scarcity placing pressure on agriculture, how is Potatoes SA preparing the next generation of farmers to farm more sustainably?
Efficient water management is essential in potato production. Farmers are encouraged to irrigate according to crop requirements using proper scheduling and soil moisture monitoring, rather than irrigating simply because irrigation infrastructure is available. Where rainfall is sufficient, it should be used to reduce irrigation requirements.
Regular soil testing helps farmers to understand nutrient levels and apply fertilisers more accurately, improving efficiency while protecting soil health. Access to weather and climate information also enables farmers plan more effectively and adapt to changing conditions.
Potatoes SA supports farmers through ongoing technical training and mentorship to improve decision-making and address production challenges. Accurate production and financial record-keeping also forms an important part of the programme, allowing farmers to evaluate performance and make informed business decisions over time.
To strengthen climate-smart farming, Potatoes SA provides farmers with access to the Potatoes SA App, which offers market forecasts, crop monitoring through the Growers Portal and regularly updated production information to support better on-farm decisions.
Partnerships are often the difference between success and failure for development programmes. How important are they to the success of the Potatoes SA Transformation Programme?
Partnerships are fundamental to the success of this programme because agricultural transformation cannot be achieved by a single organisation.
Financial institutions such as VKB, Land Bank and Absa provide critical funding support, and provincial departments of agriculture and the national Department of Agriculture help to expand the programme’s reach and impact.
Market access partners, including potato processors, create reliable marketing opportunities for participating farmers. Other strategic partners, such as Khula, the Kgodiso Development Fund and Brucol, together with regional trade opportunities in SADC markets such as Mozambique further strengthen the support network available to our growers.
Because Potatoes SA relies on statutory levies to fund many of its programmes, maintaining existing partnerships and developing new ones remains essential for the long-term sustainability and growth of the initiative. The journey is challenging, but the rewards for farmers, the industry and food security make it worthwhile.
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