The FAO atrium and surrounding areas have been transformed for an exhibition to mark the end of the International Year of the Potato (IYP) 2008. Implementation of the International Year – which aims at raising awareness of the potato's important place in agriculture, the economy and world food security - has been led by the IYP Secretariat in FAO’s Plant Production and Protection Division.

The exhibition will be officially opened on Friday 12 December, following the final meeting of IYP’s international steering committee, to be attended by senior representatives of international organizations, governments, potato producers and the potato industry. On Thursday, 11 December, 400 Rome schoolchildren will take a guided tour to learn about the potato's history, nutritional benefits and social and cultural significance.

The potato exhibition includes the winning entries in the Year’s World Photography Contest, an International Potato Center display shown in 10 European and South American cities during 2008, and paintings of Andean potato farmers by Japanese artist Tadayuki Noguchi.