SOUTH AFRICA – European hybrid potato seed innovator Solynta and South African seed potato manufacturer RegenZ have tied up to provide hybrid true potatoes to the South African farming community.

The companies will collaborate in further trials and join forces to facilitate the introduction of Solynta’s ‘climate smart’ and disease-free genetics to the South African farmer. 

With limited water resources, reduced farming land area, and further limits on chemical inputs, the Solynta hybrid true potato seeds offer the best starting material for good yields and healthy potatoes.

“We believe that introduction of Solynta’s innovative hybrid potato technology in South Africa will bring huge benefits to the potato-producing farming communities. We see from Solynta field trials in the region that the technology can contribute towards a more efficient and sustainable potato production,” said Justin Platt, Managing Director of RegenZ.

He noted that Hybrid True Potato Seeds (HTPS) can address food security goals in line with South African government objectives. 

“With its unique ability to build in disease resistance, Solynta’s hybrids will deliver a predictable and rapid flow of improved products. By delivering these genetics through true seeds, many other advantages, such as the provision of disease-free seeds and a reduction in storage and transport costs, will be achieved. 

“Therefore, we believe it has great value to both commercial and smallholder potato farmers to collaborate with Solynta on the formal introduction of hybrid true potato seed in South Africa,” he added.

Charles Miller, Solynta’s Commercial Director, emphasized the global impact of the new hybrid potato varieties noting that the partnership marks the shared values of the two companies.

“Like RegenZ, Solynta is committed to developing sustainable innovations that improve the quality of life. For Solynta, that means ensuring that nutritious, easy-to-grow potatoes are abundantly available to fight food insecurity,” he said.

He stated that the new hybrid true potato has been developed to address just that, i.e., offer an answer to the nutrition security challenges that the world is facing.

“Our non-GMO, disease-free potato seed delivers highly delicious and nutritious potatoes and requires fewer pesticides to produce great yield,” Miller said.

On the partnership with RegenZ, he said, “The goal of this collaboration, for Solynta, is to benefit local farmers – in South Africa and worldwide. As potato production makes up 45% of the country’s total vegetable production, exceeding 51 000 ha per year, it is one of the most important vegetable crops in South Africa.

RegenZ, one of South Africa’s leading potato seed tuber producers, aims to be a global leader in the transformation of human health and nutrition by driving the widespread adoption of regenerative agricultural practices and discovering, applying, and commercialising sustainable and regenerative innovations in crop production technology. 

For all the latest food safety news from Africa and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel.