Why an International Day of Potato?
On 30 May, we spotlight the potato, Solanum tuberosum (L.) – a crop regularly consumed by billions of people. Potatoes are a key crop across diverse farming systems globally, ranging from smallholders producing diverse heirloom varieties by hand in the Andes, to vast commercial, mechanized farms in different continents. Potatoes contribute to the food security and nutrition as well as and livelihoods and employment of people in rural and urban areas the world over.
The Day is an opportunity to build on the International Year of the Potato, which was observed in 2008. The observance will also be used to underscore the importance of the crop to combating hunger and poverty and addressing environmental threats to agrifood systems. The roles of small-scale family farmers, a significant proportion of whom are women, in safeguarding the wide spectrum of the crop’s diversity, will also be recognized, while the cultural and culinary dimensions of the crop’s cultivation and consumption will be celebrated.
News
Multimedia
How to participate
Let’s come together to advocate for the potato, savor its multitude of varieties, and champion the farmers who cultivate this essential crop with the earth’s well-being in mind!
Communication toolkit
Browse the FAO asset bank and download the International Day of Potato visual identity and communication material to advocate for the potato!
Get involved guide (Second edition)
Tell us about your event
Browse all events that are being organized for the International Day of Potato, let us know your plans and share news and photos of your initiatives.
The potato journey
Originating in the Andes, the potato sustains the Inca civilization and is revered as the “flower of ancient Indian civilization.”
Brought to Europe in the 16th century, the potato supported the rise of urbanization and fuels the Industrial Revolution.
During the Qing Dynasty, the potato alleviated famine in China, securing its place as an essential crop.
In World War II and subsequent conflicts, the potato’s high yield and resilience provided food security during shortages.
Ireland’s Great Famine of the 1840s is a stark example of how a lack of diversity in the genetic base and cropping systems can lead to disastrous outcomes.
Today, the potato stands as a beacon of food security and a pillar of sustainable agriculture: with more than 5 000 potato varieties offer a genetic wealth to combat pests, diseases, and climate change impacts, guiding sustainable agriculture practices.
Amazing potato-facts you might not know
A potato park
The 12 000-hectare potato park located in the Andes near Cusco, Peru is one of the few conservation initiatives in which local communities are managing and protecting their potato genetic resources and traditional knowledge of cultivation, plant protection and breeding. The Potato Park helps preserve indigenous knowledge and ancient technologies, while ensuring that the production of native varieties remains under local control.
Potatoes are also used to produce bio-based products
Potato starch is being creatively used as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. These materials based on potato proteins and starch can be used for various packaging, like food containers and medicine capsules. Plus, they’re gluten-free and environmentally friendly, making them a smart choice for the food industry.
Previous observances of the International Day of Potato
Theme: Shaping history, feeding the future
Media and Multimedia
- FAO Director-General’s video statement
- Promotional video: Let’s all celebrate the International Day of Potato by Yurdi Yasmi, the Director of FAO's Plant Production and Protection Division
- Webcast: International Day of Potato 2025
- Photos: The journey of the Potato exhibition at FAO headquarters
- Op-ed : We need to invest in the potato by Chikelu Mba, the Deputy Director of FAO's Plant Production and Protection Division
- Podcast: Food for the Future podcast
- Get involved guide (Second edition)
- FAO asset bank and downloadable visual identity and communication materials
Events
Theme: Harvesting diversity, feeding hope
Media and multimedia
- Video: International Day of Potato
- Video: Making gnocchi from potatoes in Italy for the International Day of Potato
- Infographic: Potato - Solanum tuberosum (L.) 2024
- Infographic: Nutritional values of the raw potato
- Publications: Potatoes: So Familiar, So Much More to Learn
- A guide to the International Day of Potato 2024
Events
159
countries cultivate potato
5 000
varieties worldwide
8 000
years and going strong!
Feature Stories
Publications
Publications
Potatoes: so familiar, so much more to learn
As a global campaign to raise awareness and inspire action has just kicked off, have a look at this selection of FAO publications below to gain better insights into this global common food ahead of the celebration.
Related links
- FAO Plant Production and Protection
- Doubling global potato production in 10 years is possible
- Potato water management
- International Potato Center
- World Potato Congress
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