Potatoes SA expresses concern over possible impact of proposed water usage restrictions expected to be imposed on farmers in the Western Cape's Sandveld region

Update@Noon

Farmers association, Potatoes South Africa has warned that the price of potatoes may be impacted as farmers face increasing challenges, including a recent five-day black frost experienced in the Limpopo province and proposed water usage restrictions expected to be imposed on farmers in the Western Cape's Sandveld region. This follows a recent government gazette by the Department of Water and Sanitation, suggesting that water extraction by farmers in the Sandveld region be reduced by 30%, in order to ensure that the area has sufficient water to sustain its population and environment. The association says the restrictions would result in 30% of the hectares of potato farming land in the Sandveld taken out of production, resulting in the quadrupling of potato prices. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to CEO of Potatoes SA, Willie Jacobs