Farm to Plate

Here are the steps that potatoes go through before they reach your dinner plate!

	1: Seed potatoes are bought & stored Grower buys seed potatoes from an approved seed supplier. The seed is cut and stored in sheds where it is protected from the sun, rain or frost.
	2: Ground is prepared Before the seed is planted, the ground is prepared to make sure that it is free from clumps, sticks and rocks.
	3: Seed is planted Seed is planted in rows using a mechanical planter, which is towed by a tractor.
	4: Potatoes grow Potatoes grow for approximately 18 weeks. While they are growing, they are watered and sprayed to protect against pests and diseases.
	5: Potatoes are Harvested Once they have matured, the potatoes are harvested using a mechanical harvester pulled by a tractor. The potatoes are lifted out of the ground onto a sorting table where rocks and other objects are removed.
	6: Potatoes are transported The potatoes are placed into bins and transported by truck to a washing shed.
	7: Potatoes are washed & graded The potatoes are washed or brushed and graded into different size packages.
	8: Potatoes are delivered to shops Packaged potatoes are delivered to the markets or directly to the retail chains.
	9: Potatoes on your plate! Then someone in your family goes to the shops, buys the potatoes and cooks you up a yummy feast! Voila!