International Day of Potato 2025: FAO underscores the crop’s value for food security, livelihoods and the environment

Rome – Marking International Day of Potato 2025, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu has emphasized that the potato is far more than a staple crop – it is a vital contributor to food security, livelihoods, and sustainability across the globe.

“Today we celebrate not just a crop, but a symbol of resilience, adaptability and untapped potential,” the Director-General said. “Potatoes have nourished millions of people for hundreds of years and continue to shape the course of global agrifood systems,” he added.

Qu made the remarks in a video message toa high-level ceremony held at FAO headquarters in Rome, under this year’s International Day of Potato’s theme: “Shaping history, feeding the future.”

The event was co-organized by the Embassy of Peru to the UN Rome-based agencies and included a video message from the President of Peru, H. E. Dina Boluarte.

A journey rooted in history, powering the future

Domesticated in the Andes thousands of years ago, the potato has grown into one of the world’s top four food crops. It played a historic role in the global exchange of crops, and today it is a key food source in over 150 countries.

The potato’s high yield, adaptability and nutritional value make it a reliable crop in diverse environments—from mountainous regions to urban markets.

“The potato contributes to healthy and affordable diets and nutrition, supports the livelihoods of millions, especially small-scale farmers and rural communities,” Qu said.

A sustainable crop with untapped potential

The potato is rich in nutrients including vitamin C, potassium and dietary fibre. It is also one of the most resource-efficient crops, producing more food using less land and water—and with a smaller environmental footprint than many major crops.

Yet potato production is increasingly under threat from climate variability, pests and diseases, soil degradation and market volatility.

The Director-General called for renewed action to support farmers and build resilience across the potato value chain, noting that:

“We need to strengthen the resilience of potato value chain to ensure food availability, food accessibility and food affordability.”

Supporting transformation through the Four Betters

FAO’s work supports potato producers through a comprehensive strategy aligned with its Strategic Framework 2022–2031 and the Four Betters:

• Better Production, by equipping farmers with science, innovation, and climate-smart practices;
• Better Nutrition, by promoting nutrient-dense, locally appropriate varieties;
• Better Environment, through sustainable approaches like crop rotation and water-efficient systems;
• Better Life, by empowering youth and women and building inclusive value chains.

Qu also highlighted three priority areas in FAO’s support:

1. Equipping farmers produce more with less through science-based expertise and solutions;
2. Supporting value chain development through initiatives such as One Country One Priority Product;
3. Investing in the next generation of producers and innovators as youth are the future of agriculture and consumption.

A global celebration

The event at FAO headquarters included an exhibition on the history, diversity and potential of potatoes, a “Potato & People” photo gallery, and the showcasing of traditional and climate-resilient potato varieties and culinary experiences reflecting the crop’s cultural and geographic diversity.

The International Day of Potato was also observed by FAO partners and governments worldwide through community events, exhibitions, and awareness campaigns.

At the heart of the celebration was a shared message: that this ancient crop has a powerful future—and with the right support, it can continue to nourish people, economies and the planet.

“As FAO marks its 80th anniversary this year, it provides an important opportunity to reaffirm the vital role that the potato plays in fighting hunger, improving livelihoods, and building a better foods future for all,” Qu concluded.