Namibia has announced that its borders will remain open for the importation of washed potatoes, despite closing its borders to 11 other fresh produce items in June 2023. According to the Namibia Agronomic Board (NAB), washed potatoes have consistently been a leading import, with the border never closing for importation in the past five months of 2023[1][3]. Namibia imports over 30% of its fresh potatoes, in addition to frozen potatoes and seed potatoes, as domestic production cannot meet the demand[2].
Potatoes are the third most consumed crop in the world, and the decision to keep the borders open for washed potato imports ensures that consumers have access to this staple food[2]. While the move aims to promote local farmers and reduce dependency on imports for 11 other products, the NAB has recognized the need to maintain a balanced market and ensure the availability and affordability of washed potatoes for Namibian consumers[2][4].
Citations:
[1] https://www.eaglefm.com.na/agriculture/the-border-closed-for-11-fresh-produce-except-for-washed-potatoes/
[2] https://thefarmersjournal.com/namibia-implements-border-closure-for-11-fresh-produce-prioritizing-local-market-and-washed-potatoes/
[3] https://www.namibian.com.na/border-closed-for-fresh-produce-import-except-washed-potatoes/
[4] https://www.namibiansun.com/agriculture/borders-closed-for-nearly-all-vegetable-imports2024-02-09
[5] https://www.linkedin.com/posts/thefarmersjournalafrica_namibia-implements-border-closure-for-11-activity-7071001971473756160-HrPI