The third observation of the International Day of the Potato took place on 29 May 2026, brought forward by a day as the official 30 May date fell on a Saturday. The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) themed this year’s day as “Where Potatoes grow, livelihood flourish”, shining the spotlight on all potato value chain role-players.
The theme honours producers who grow and produce potatoes worldwide. Potato producers are the first link in the livelihood chain and produce not just for themselves but for the broader community. The day acknowledges producers as valuable contributors to food security, livelihoods, and both the formal and informal economies.
Potatoes SA joined the celebrations for the second consecutive year, this time partnering with the Tshwane Market to bring festivities directly to buyers, traders, and agents. Stakeholders such as WesGrow (showcasing new cultivars), Prokon, and Potato Certification Services were present, highlighting innovation and collaboration within the industry.
Did you know?
Over 60% of potatoes sold at fresh produce markets go to the informal (township) economy. In Pretoria and surrounding areas, these potatoes are sold on sidewalks and from trolleys as fresh, hot meals, kotas, and slap chips.
Empowering the Potato Nation
As part of the celebrations, Potatoes SA provided practical business enablers to market traders and buyers to help support and sustain their enterprises. Among these tools were branded price-board flashes, a durable, reusable whiteboard alternative to cardboard signs traditionally used by hawkers. This design allows traders to effortlessly update prices as market conditions change. Patrons were served warm potato and vegetable soup to keep the winter chill at bay.
Businesses specialising in chips, kotas, and freshly prepared meals were equipped with aprons, while trolley operators received reflective safety vests. These items were all branded Potato Nation, creating a sense of belonging among those who earn a livelihood from selling potatoes and potato-based products. The branding reinforces the message that everyone involved in the potato value chain forms part of the broader Potato Nation community.
The event received media exposure through Tshwane FM, which broadcast its breakfast show from the market floor. The live broadcast featured interviews with the head of Tshwane Market, Tshifhiwa Madima, the operational manager at the Agricultural Produce Agents Council (APAC), Khodani Madula, and myself. The conversations gave listeners insight into our respective organisations, our roles within the potato industry, and what the International Day of the Potato truly means.
Hosting these market-day activations provides Potatoes SA with an opportunity to connect directly with the people who make up the Potato Nation. Beyond engaging with consumers and traders on social media platforms, these interactions create a valuable space to listen, learn, and better understand the experiences and challenges of those whose livelihoods depend on potatoes. – Sheila Makgato, Potatoes SA
For more information, send an email to sheila@potatoes.co.za or visit www.potatoes.co.za
