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Spotlight / 2007 |
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 The IYP exhibit at the United Nations Secretariat in New York on 16-19 October 2007
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UN launches the International Year of the Potato
The International Year of the Potato (IYP 2008) was officially launched on 18 October 2007 at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York by the Director General of FAO. The observance of IYP 2008 will provide an opportunity to raise awareness – among policy-makers, donors and the general public, especially young people – of the importance of the potato in particular, and agriculture in general, in addressing issues of global concern, such as food insecurity, malnutrition, poverty and threats to the environment.
The year-long homage to the potato will take place in 2008 but the IYP launch, side event and exhibit in New York were aimed to spotlight the humble vegetable discovered in Peru, which has become a staple in diets around the globe and the world's fourth food crop.
The slogan, “Hidden Treasure”, highlights the often overlooked importance of the potato for rural people in developing countries, the economy and global food security.
IYP 2008 is viewed as the first step in a continuing process. It will serve as a catalyst for information exchange and the initiation of medium and long-term programmes on potato development. The Year will support the formulation of national programmes and development strategies. To multiply the effects of IYP impact, establishing and maintaining IYP committees at regional and national levels is an essential aspect of the Year.
IYP Implementation is being facilitated by FAO and guided by an Informal International Steering Committee, made up of representatives of government, potato producers and the potato industry. The International Potato Center – CIP based in Lima, Peru - is the FAO main Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) centres’ partner in the IYP effort. The strong partnership between CIP and FAO has contributed to raising the profile and visibility of the IYP. Implementation steps and key activities include the following:
2006 – Planning
Consult with partners and mobilize resources
Draft concept paper to guide the process
Create an advocacy and communication team and a web-based portal
2007 - Launch
Develop concept notes and information materials
Planning events for IYP and for sustainability beyond 2008
Organize an official launching event for IYP
2008 - Observance
Provide coordination and media information
Implement activities at national, regional and global levels
Convene an international conference to mark the observance of IYP
2009 - Follow-up
Evaluate the impact of IYP activities
Report to the UN General Assembly
Support ongoing potato
A multi-donor trust fund and a fast track mechanism have been established by FAO to enable donors and partners to support IYP activities. The Governments of Spain, Italy and Ireland have already contributed generously to the trust fund. There have also been expressions of interest by other member nations as well as private sector donors. A total estimated requirement of US$1.7 million - over three years - will be needed for the planned activities at national, regional and global levels.
Link to further information: http://www.potato2008.org/en/index.html