The Small-Grower Development Programme focusses on engaging communities that primarily plant potatoes for food security with any surplus crop being sold within the local community. This programme includes:
- Disseminating production and business information through effective trials.
- Providing practical training to farmers focussed on industry-leading best practices.
- Utilising cultivar or demonstration trials as a means of educating, training, and sharing vital production information.
- Offering essential assistance and expertise to communities enabling them to enhance food security by producing and selling surplus potatoes.
By providing support, training, and access to important information, the programme contributes to the success and sustainability of small-scale potato growers, promoting food security, and economic development within these regions.
"The Small Grower Development Programme aims to enhance food security and promote successful potato production through disseminating information, providing training, and offering assistance to communities."
The programme identifies suitable participants, recommends them for approval, and serves as a pathway for potential graduation into the Enterprise Development Programme for emerging black commercial producers. Potatoes South Africa's role includes partnerships with agricultural departments, facilitating seed distribution, supporting cultivar trials, and promoting good production practices through various communication channels and local cooperatives.