Vegetable Sector Research Articles

Advanced technology in fruit preservation: Effects of nanoscale charged water particles on storage quality and reactive oxygen species in blueberries

During the postharvest period, blueberries with a short shelf life due to microbial activity and an overload of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were still a major unresolved problem. In this study, the effect of nanoscale charged water particles (NCWP) treatment on the postharvest characteristics and ROS metabolism in blueberries (Vaccinium ashei Reade) were investigated. The results showed that NCWP treatment significantly inhibited microbial growth, maintained high firmness and commercial acceptability, and extended the storage period of blueberries. The nutrient of blueberries was retained and elevated after NCWP treatment, especially in the 6 d of NCWP-9 h treatment, the total phenol and anthocyanin content reached the peak at 565.1 mg/L and 5.26 mg/g, which contribute to the total antioxidant capacity of blueberries increased. SEM showed that NCWP-9 h treatment maintained the integrity of the cuticular wax of the blueberry peel, which indirectly decelerated the decline of blueberry firmness. The NCWP treatment significantly enhanced the antioxidant enzyme system of blueberry peel. On days 2, 4 and 6 after NCWP-9 h treatment, the CAT, SOD and APX activities were significantly different from the control group (P < 0. 05), with 585.09 ΔA/min/g, 79.34 U/g and 3.32 umol/min/g, respectively, which effectively scavenged the oxidative stress markers (H2O2, O2−) accumulated in the blueberry peels, and slowed down the aging and deteriorated of the blueberry process. This finding demonstrates that NCWP is an effective postharvest preservation method for blueberries and provides a viable strategy for quality maintenance in the postharvest fruit and vegetable sector.

Residue dissipation and dietary risk of cyprodinil and fludioxonil residues in green onions: ensuring safe consumption in Egypt

ABSTRACT As a vegetable commodity, onions are of considerable economic significance. They are a significant source of foreign exchange revenues in the fruit and vegetables sector, in addition to being essential for domestic consumption. However, green onions are frequently treated with multiple fungicides. As a result, there is currently a significant focus on the potential health hazards of consuming green onions, due to dietary risks and the presence of various fungicide residues. The pre-mixture fungicide cyprodinil and fludioxonil are widely used to control fungal disease in green onions. To assure consumer safety, residues in the final product must be investigated. Following Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), field studies were carried out to investigate cyprodinil and fludioxonil dissipation and terminal residues on green onions. The concentrations of cyprodinil and fludioxonil in green onions decreased with time by a first-order kinetic model, with considerable degradation of 95.6% and 83.5%, respectively, after 14 days of single treatment at the recommended rate. According to the terminal results, it is advisable to wait for 7 days after applying the recommended dose of Switch fungicide before harvesting. The findings indicated that the presence of cyprodinil and fludioxonil residues in green onions did not pose a significant dietary risk for consumers. This study is intended to ensure the safe and proper use of cyprodinil and fludioxonil in green onions in Egypt.

Passiflora By-Products: Chemical Profile and Potential Use as Cosmetic Ingredients

The cosmetics industry is constantly growing and occupies an important place in South American countries’ economies. Formulations increasingly incorporate ingredients from natural sources to promote sustainable and innovative productions, as well as to gain greater consumer acceptance. According to FAO, waste from post-harvest and food processing in developing countries exceeds 40%, generating significant environmental impacts and stimulating interest in adding value to these wastes, particularly in the fruit and vegetable sector in South American countries, thus contributing to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By-products from harvesting and fruit processing of Passiflora species such as leaves, stems, peel, and seeds are a source of bioactive compounds; however, most of them are wasted. This study aims to compile reports on the chemical composition of cultivated Passiflora species, find evidence of the cosmetic activity of their extracts, and estimate their potential for inclusion in cosmetic formulations.

Vegetable growing in Atyrau region: status and prospects

The aim is to substantiate the development of vegetable growing industry in the process of diversification of the economy of Atyrau region. In the methodological aspect, the research on vegetable crops cultivation was carried out on the basis of the deduction method, the consequence of which is the logical conclusion that vegetable production of farms in the region is environmentally safe. Methods of analysis and synthesis were used in determining the competitive parameters of production and the level of its intensification in the period of rising prices for fuels and lubricants. Results - the current state of the vegetable sector of the region, problems and potential opportunities were analyzed, the profitability of the vegetable subcomplex was shown. Recommendations aimed at expanding the scope of management, providing agricultural enterprises with timely and objective information important for making management decisions have been developed. Conclusions - it is necessary to constantly intensify research and development work on the development of new vegetable varieties, their approbation and introduction into practice, which will increase productivity at lower costs. Sectors should pay attention to the quality of vegetable products, their shelf life, useful properties for human health and adaptation to local climatic conditions. The authors note the feasibility of establishing workshops for processing biomass waste and rejected low-grade products. It is concluded that the vegetable market has a high capacity and is characterized by stable demand, which makes it attractive for investment. Investments are the decisive factor of technological, economic and social renewal of economic entities. In dynamics, the innovation activity of agricultural entities is increasing, although it is lower than in the economic system as a whole. The state should become the coordinator of innovation processes in the industry. There are all prerequisites for building up the competitive advantages of the industry.

Enumeration Agar, Acid Exposure and Sampling Time Are Relevant Factors Accounting for the High-Pressure Inactivation of Vegetative Pathogens in Fruit Puree.

High pressure processing (HPP) is a non-thermal technology with emerging application within the fruit and vegetable sector. The impact of the enumeration agar on the recorded HPP inactivation of L. monocytogenes, Salmonella spp. and E. coli in banana-apple and apple purees was evaluated. Additionally, the HPP inactivation and sublethal injury was quantified in apple puree, considering the impact of acid exposure (24 h before HPP) and sampling time. Inoculated purees were pressurized at 300 MPa for 2 min. Enumeration was performed immediately and 24 h after HPP. HPP inactivation was 0.9-to-4.5-fold higher in apple than banana-apple puree. Compared with nutrient-rich media, selective agar enumeration overestimated the inactivation. HPP inactivation and sublethal injury of L. monocytogenes, Salmonella and E. coli was variable, mainly dependent on the exposure to acid and the sampling time. The 24 h-delayed enumeration slightly increased the inactivation. In apple puree, the CECT5947 strain of E. coli O157:H7 was the most piezo-resistant strain (1.5 log reduction), while L. monocytogenes Scott A was the most piezo-sensitive (6-log reduction when exposed to acid and sampled 24 h after HPP). All the studied factors should be taken into account when designing HPP treatments, performing product-specific validation studies and setting verification procedures.

Use of pineapple peel for the formulation of cookies and crackers

Food waste occurs worldwide and its highest rate takes place in the fruit and vegetable sector. The industrialization of pineapple fruit generates many agro-industrial residues, which possess significant amounts of fibers, minerals and vitamins. This work aimed to develop cookie and cream cracker formulations enriched with flour from pineapple peel (PPF). Two formulations were produced for each type of biscuit: conventional one and with the adding of 20% PPF. The formulations were evaluated physicochemically/nutritionally (moisture, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, fiber, ash, minerals, pH and acidity) and sensorially (color, aroma, flavor texture, global impression and purchase intent). The addition of PPF promoted changes in pH, acidity, lipids, fibers and minerals. The cookies and crackers produced with 20% PPF may be classified as a source of fiber. The addiction of PPF allowed FCR and FCO to be classified as “high content” for the following minerals: Mg, Cu, Mn and Fe, while FCR may be also classified as “high content” of Ca. The addition of peel did not affect the sensory acceptance of the products and purchase intention. Thus, the addition of PPF to food products formulations is an alternative to the use of pineapple processing residues, since it was used as ingredients on nutritionally enriched.

Characterisation of Two Vineyards in Mexico Based on Sentinel-2 and Meteorological Data

In Mexico, viticulture represents the second source of employment in the agricultural area after the fruit and vegetable sector. In developed countries, remote sensing is widely used for vineyard monitoring; however, this tool is barely used in the developing countries of Iberoamerica. In this research, our overall objective is to characterise two vineyards in the state of Queretaro (Mexico) using Sentinel-2 and meteorological data, specifically spectral and thermal indices. Results show that spectral indices obtained from Sentinel-2 bands have adequately characterised the phenological dynamics of the different varieties of the vineyards. The Modified Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (MSAVI) was adequately used to discriminate between the first stages of vineyards, while the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was useful for monitoring vineyards during the rest stages of vineyards. Thermal indices have shown that the best grape varieties are those that can adapt to both cooler and warmer temperatures, have a reasonable ripening period, and can produce wines with balanced acidity and flavours. In conclusion, the combination of meteorological (including thermal indices) and remote sensing data (NDVI and MSAVI) provide information for choosing a suitable grape variety for this region.

Changes in the Trade Pattern in China Under the RCEP: An Analysis of Trade Creation and Diversion Using the SMART-WITS Model

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), one of the globe&amp;#39;s most expansive free trade agreements (FTAs), has profoundly influenced its member countries&amp;#39; trading patterns. This fact is especially critical for a major economic powerhouse such as China. Understanding its trade creation and trade diversion within the RCEP context can facilitate successful formulation strategies and result in effective economic policies. In this study, we utilize the World Integrated Trade Solution Software for Market Analysis and Restrictions on Trade (WITS-SMART), a partial equilibrium modeling tool, on both state-level and industrial-tier tariff reductions under two distinct scenarios. Our findings confirm that China will benefit from impactful trade results across all RCEP members. Looking from industry point of view: machinery, chemicals, metals sector together with plastics and rubber production are projected to enjoy maximum rewards through increased trade creation and diversion opportunities from Japan and Korea. On the contrary, Australia and ASEAN have the greatest influence on the animal and vegetable sector. This crucial understanding creates strategic indicators that aid in evaluating the most appropriate alignments to harness the untapped potential in the RECP domain.

Investigating Co-Innovation strategies to prevent food loss in the fruits and vegetables sector

The transition towards sustainable food systems implies the exploration of drivers and challenges for the adoption of innovative solutions by the operators on the value chains. The development of innovative approaches is critical to improve the collaboration of different stakeholders on sustainability topics. The Q-methodology combines qualitative and quantitative analysis to navigate subjective stakeholder perspectives, aiming to find shared strategies and enhance collaborative approaches on complex topics. This study employs Q-methodology to investigate stakeholders' viewpoints on reducing food losses in the Italian fruit and vegetable sector, focusing on the upstream phases of the supply chain. The aim is to explore the perspectives of producers, experts, and institutional representatives towards sustainable innovations in food losses prevention and management practices. The integration of technological innovation is described as a key factor, but the adoption process is hampered by structural supply chain burdens. The results enforced the adoption of sustainable technologies by operators, reporting that collaboration can enhance efficiency, quality management, and sustainability during fruit and vegetable production and distribution operations. Innovative solutions to mitigate food losses risk are driven by resource-efficiency network strategies that should imply a positive environmental and social performances. The application of the Q-methodology allows for a deeper understanding of the emerging challenges during the adoption of food loss reduction strategies. The findings reported the significance of collaboration, technological innovation integration, and sustainable practices across the supply chain. This research contributes to the development of effective, stakeholder-supported strategies and informs policymakers in the fruit and vegetable sector about different solutions to mitigate food losses.

Organizational structures of agriculture cooperatives in China: Evidence from the green vegetable sector

China’s agriculture cooperatives are playing a pivotal role in promoting rural development and boosting farmers’ income. As a result of the rapidly changing external environment, diverse types of cooperatives have emerged. However, a comprehensive understanding of the organizational structures, including ownership, control, and benefit rights, of different types of cooperatives, is limited. This study analyzes the organizational structures of two types of cooperatives in China: entrepreneur-led cooperatives and government-led cooperatives. Qualitative methodology was used in this study, including semi-structured interviews with four green vegetable production cooperatives in Shandong province. Results reveal the structural differences between these two types of case cooperatives. Despite the shared ownership, control, and benefit rights among members, entrepreneur-led cooperatives are characterized by the dominance of core members in capital contribution, control rights, and dividend distribution; whereas government-led cooperatives distribute those rights more equally among all members. The findings in this study present a more comprehensive landscape of the organizational structures of China’s cooperatives. Empirically, it demonstrates how cooperatives can evolve and vary across laws and cultures, even within the same legislative background. Additionally, it offers crucial insights for these cooperatives to develop and sustain long-term vitality.

Fruit and Vegetable Waste Characteristics and Management Practices at Pasig Mega Market in Pasig City, Philippines

The fruit and vegetable sector produce waste significantly, causing social, environmental, and economic loss. Thus, a study was conducted at Pasig Mega Market, Pasig City to describe the fruit and vegetable vendors' waste management practices. Vendors and government employees participated in focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Results showed an average of 100-200 kilograms of waste were collected in the market daily, with leafy vegetables, watermelon, melon, and saba as common types. Focus group discussions revealed that discounted prices for suboptimal items, quality assurance methods, adherence to First-In-First-Out principles, and marketing strategies were the vendors' efforts to reduce waste. The identified approaches in handling wastes were, giving them as animal feed, creating alternative products, and returning damaged products to suppliers. Key informant interviews disclosed that the local government and market administration practices in waste management were composting and donation as animal feed for the local zoo. Moreover, it revealed improvement in the management of implementing the ordinances. Problems encountered were focused on supplier issues, weather, market competition, and consumer preferences. Overall, their waste management reduces food waste disposed of in landfills. Recommended strategies for vendors and administration are valorizing food waste, organizing awareness and livelihood programs, and conducting regular evaluations.

Persistence of microbiological hazards in food and feed production and processing environments.

Listeria monocytogenes (in the meat, fish and seafood, dairy and fruit and vegetable sectors), Salmonella enterica (in the feed, meat, egg and low moisture food sectors) and Cronobacter sakazakii (in the low moisture food sector) were identified as the bacterial food safety hazards most relevant to public health that are associated with persistence in the food and feed processing environment (FFPE). There is a wide range of subtypes of these hazards involved in persistence in the FFPE. While some specific subtypes are more commonly reported as persistent, it is currently not possible to identify universal markers (i.e. genetic determinants) for this trait. Common risk factors for persistence in the FFPE are inadequate zoning and hygiene barriers; lack of hygienic design of equipment and machines; and inadequate cleaning and disinfection. A well-designed environmental sampling and testing programme is the most effective strategy to identify contamination sources and detect potentially persistent hazards. The establishment of hygienic barriers and measures within the food safety management system, during implementation of hazard analysis and critical control points, is key to prevent and/or control bacterial persistence in the FFPE. Once persistence is suspected in a plant, a 'seek-and-destroy' approach is frequently recommended, including intensified monitoring, the introduction of control measures and the continuation of the intensified monitoring. Successful actions triggered by persistence of L. monocytogenes are described, as well as interventions with direct bactericidal activity. These interventions could be efficient if properly validated, correctly applied and verified under industrial conditions. Perspectives are provided for performing a risk assessment for relevant combinations of hazard and food sector to assess the relative public health risk that can be associated with persistence, based on bottom-up and top-down approaches. Knowledge gaps related to bacterial food safety hazards associated with persistence in the FFPE and priorities for future research are provided.

Short-term forecasting of vegetable prices based on LSTM model-Evidence from Beijing's vegetable data.

The vegetable sector is a vital pillar of society and an indispensable part of the national economic structure. As a significant segment of the agricultural market, accurately forecasting vegetable prices holds significant importance. Vegetable market pricing is subject to a myriad of complex influences, resulting in nonlinear patterns that conventional time series methodologies often struggle to decode. In this paper, we exploit the average daily price data of six distinct types of vegetables sourced from seven key wholesale markets in Beijing, spanning from 2009 to 2023. Upon training an LSTM model, we discovered that it exhibited exceptional performance on the test dataset. Demonstrating robust predictive performance across various vegetable categories, the LSTM model shows commendable generalization abilities. Moreover, LSTM model has a higher accuracy compared to several machine learning methods, including CNN-based time series forecasting approaches. With R2 score of 0.958 and MAE of 0.143, our LSTM model registers an enhancement of over 5% in forecast accuracy relative to conventional machine learning counterparts. Therefore, by predicting vegetable prices for the upcoming week, we envision this LSTM model application in real-world settings to aid growers, consumers, and policymakers in facilitating informed decision-making. The insights derived from this forecasting research could augment market transparency and optimize supply chain management. Furthermore, it contributes to the market stability and the balance of supply and demand, offering a valuable reference for the sustainable development of the vegetable industry.

Fruit and vegetable production in Kazakhstan: status, problems and ways of solution

The development of fruit and vegetable sector is given special attention throughout the world. The production of fruits and vegetables is an important component of the agro-industrial complex and one of the most common types of agricultural activities in terms of the income of small and medium-sized producers and the food security of the republic. Fruits and vegetables, being a source of vital minerals and vitamins, occupy one of the key places in the diet and are among the essential goods. Goal - current issues of increasing the efficiency of fruit and vegetable production and its potential are considered. Methods - analysis, comparison, generalization, allowing to identify problems whose solution is important for the food supply of the country's population. Results - the experience of world practice of market trade in horticultural products was studied. The authors substantiate the need to develop and implement measures of state support for elite seed farms and originators of varieties, create and restore infrastructure for the procurement, storage, processing and sale of vegetables, berries and fruits, organize wholesale markets for environmentally friendly vegetable raw materials. The state of fruit and vegetable subcomplex is shown. An analysis of the volumes of cultivation of fruit and vegetable crops by various organizational and legal entities is given. Examples of an effective sales system for fruits and vegetables abroad and mechanisms for the distribution of products are given. The need for state regulation and stimulation of the fruit and vegetable industry is noted. Conclusions - there are all the prerequisites for expanding and further building the potential of competitive and sustainable agricultural formations in the fruit and vegetable sector, capable of fully satisfying domestic consumer demand. This can be achieved through the introduction of new resource-saving technologies, the implementation of high-tech projects taking into account adaptation to climate change, environmental protection, and maintaining balance in the food supply chain.

A Pilot Study on Industry Stakeholders’ Views towards Revalorization of Surplus Material from the Fruit and Vegetable Sector as a Way to Reduce Food Waste

Food waste is a global issue, with the fruit and vegetable sector accounting for higher losses compared with other sectors. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding into how industry stakeholders in Ireland manage surplus fruit and vegetable material remaining after their main processing. An explanatory sequential mixed methods approach was employed to collect data in the form of online surveys (n = 55) and one-to-one interviews (n = 7). The findings outlined several barriers to revalorization. Most respondents were measuring food waste and actively trying to minimize it, although this was for economic rather than environmental sustainability reasons. Environmental sustainability measures were an important factor for larger companies, although all respondents agreed it was important to manage this material from an environmental perspective. This material was mostly classified as “food waste” and usually composted or used for animal feed. Many stakeholders had identified opportunities for revalorization; however, for smaller businesses, this cannot become a reality without considerable investment. Joined-up thinking is required among all stakeholders, including consumers and policy makers, to create positive sustainable changes. Education and greater awareness about the extent of the food waste crisis may assist in achieving reduction targets and encourage revalorization in the industry.

Heterogeneity of inter-organizational collaborations in agrifood chain sustainability-oriented innovations

CONTEXTSustainability-Oriented Innovation (SOI) is recognized as a way to address agrifood system sustainability challenges. Because of its complexity, SOI requires inter-organizational collaboration between actors within and around value chains. Since farming practices account for a large part of the environmental impact of food products, farmer involvement in SOI processes is key. However, there is a lack of evidence on the degree of farmer engagement in inter-organizational collaboration, as well as the diversity of partners involved. Moreover, our understanding of the heterogeneity of collaboration in relation to the sustainability dimensions of the innovation SOI processes is limited. OBJECTIVEThe objectives of our research are twofold. First, to propose a novel conceptualization of SOI, converging the sustainability specificities of the innovation process and the characteristics of the collaboration supporting the innovation process. Second, to unpack heterogeneous forms of collaboration in SOI with attention to farmer engagement in these forms. METHODSWe developed the SOI framework and analyzed SOI processes in the fruit and vegetable sector across Europe. A multiple correspondence statistical analysis was carried out based on data from more than one hundred value chains that have implemented a SOI process. A hierarchical clustering analysis was performed to reveal patterns of collaboration in SOI. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe results show different patterns of collaborative SOI in European fruit and vegetable chains. The SOI differ as regards to three specific dimensions: the diversity, the direction, and the distribution; and they rely on various collaboration forms. Seven clusters are analyzed and discussed, with specific attention to the farmer engagement in the collaboration forms. We differentiated between 1) Intermediary-led farm & food innovation with farmer collaboration; 2) Intermediary-led short food supply chain innovation with farmer collaboration; 3) Processor-led green food product innovation without farmer collaboration; 4) Farmer-led sustainable agricultural practices innovation with a collaborative network; 5) Farmer-led coupled innovation with downstream integration; 6) value chain actor-led coupled innovation with farmer collaboration; 7) Retailer-led distribution innovation without farmer collaboration. The relationship between diverse collaboration forms and SOI dimensions is discussed. SIGNIFICANCERevealing the heterogeneity of collaboration forms in SOI processes is important for developing sound policies. Given the significant role of farmers in sustainable agrifood system transitions, this paper reveals various levels of farmer engagement in collaborative SOI processes in value chains. Results have implications for mission-oriented policies since they allow a more precise and targeted approach to agrifood chains within the broader agrifood system transformation.

Cognitive dissonance in value chains: the case of the vegetable sector in Martinique

Cognitive dissonance in value chains: the case of the vegetable sector in Martinique

РИНОК ОВОЧІВ НА СУЧАСНОМУ ЕТАПІ: НОВІ ВИКЛИКИ

The article considers current aspects of functioning the vegetable market of Ukraine, including detailing the assortment and regional structure of production. Its dynamics is clearly divided into periods up to and including 2021 as well as beyond after. The balance of vegetable crops according to the main spheres of their utilization is presented. Their use for food needs is observed, depending on the volume of production and without a particular influence of export and import. The changes that took place in foreign trade in vegetables and contributed to the increase of its negative balance are highlighted. It was a complex of reasons with a permanent and temporary nature, which gradually formed a different market situation. The impact of the war and its consequences on the vegetable sector of our country was separately investigated. Attention was paid to the sharp decrease in production, the increase in prices, the relocation of existing industry enterprises and the emergence of new ones. The critical importance of the southern regions for the food supply of vegetable crops in the open soil and greenhouses for the entire Ukraine has been statistically proven. The positions related to tomatoes, sweet peppers, eggplants, and melon crops became the most vulnerable. The new trends of the market, mainly forced, which are observed during 2022-2023 and will influence its development in the near future, are characterized. Even taking into account the large number of refugees and displaced persons, the needs of our domestic market are not fully satisfied, there remains a high impact of the seasonal factor. High unpredictability and significant risks to the industry due to the impact of the war were noted. However, Ukrainian manufacturers and other market participants should still develop domestic and international activities.

Performance and Genetic Evaluation of Some Cauliflower Genotypes in Dry Temperate Ladakh Region of India

Nature has endowed India with many precious gifts, wherein lies its immense potential for the vegetable sector. In dry temperate region of India like Ladakh, cauliflower is grown during summer months. Extreme environmental fluctutaions make the cauliflower cultivation not an easy venture. Cauliflower is thermo-sensitive crop and identification of proper group as well genotype for cultivation in a particular climate and region is of utmost importance. Six genotypes were tried in Randomized Block Design with 4 replications with crop geometry of 45 x 45 cm with the objective to select the proper maturity group and genotype for cultivation in dry temperate Ladakh condition and to study the genetic parameters for further breeding procedures. Results indicated that there are significant differences among all the cultivars for all the characters except stalk length, number of leaves for plant and leaf length. Sweta recorded highest gross plant weight, net curd weight and yield per ha which is superior to all the others cultivars. GCV and PCV as well heritability with genetic advance expressed as percentage of mean were higher in gross plant weight, net curd weight and yield per hectare. Selection on phenotypic performance could be effective for improvement of these traits.

Profitability and market performance of smallholder potato enterprises in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is one of the major staple crops and cash crops in sub-Saharan Africa. Its reputation continues to rise due to the increase in human population and the demand for potatoes is predictable. Potato-produce has a good market reputation and is the major source of household income in developing countries, especially South Africa. However, the increase in potato enterprise comes with its share of challenges that need to be addressed. Smallholder farmers in South Africa are still facing challenges in accessing and participating in lucrative and agro-food value chains, hence their farm returns are very low. There are very few research studies that have assessed the profitability and market performance of potato enterprises. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the profitability of smallholder potato enterprises in the Eastern Cape Province. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 160 potato farmers. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, benefit-cost ratio and marketing margin analysis were used to analyze the data. The study results reveal that the potato enterprise is profitable and contributes to farmers' well-being. Farmers and sellers determined the price of potatoes. The reason for this market conduct is due to the weak characterization of smallholder farming. Performance analysis established that the total gross marketing and profit margins were highest when farmers sold potatoes to consumers and the lowest when farmers sold to middlemen and retailers. The study recommends that policymakers and government invest in improving infrastructure and educational training of farmers in terms of marketing and taking farming as agribusiness. The study further recommends that policymakers and farm organizations must strengthen institutions that take reliable and timely market information; established potato markets close to the farmers, especially those residing in rural areas. There must be a partnership established between research institutes and universities so that they constantly contribute by releasing high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties to advance the production and productivity of the vegetable sector. The study suggests that there is a need for government involvement to create strong market relations between farmers and consumers and to give suitable training to agricultural extension agents. Key words: Eastern Cape, Food security, Gross margin, Potato enterprise