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. As the third most consumed food crop globally, 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.
Let's celebrate the International Day of Potato 2024
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
Download the Get Involved Guide for the International Day of Potato 2024 to find out how to participate to the 2024 celebrations!
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.
Related links
3rd
most consumed food globally
159
countries cultivate potato
5 000
varieties worldwide
8 000
years and going strong!
Multimedia
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.
News and events
Get ready for the first International Day of Potato celebration!
15/02/2024
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will celebrate the potato with the first-ever International Day of Potato on 30...
FAO welcomes decision to celebrate International Day of Potato annually on May 30
09/12/2023
Observance helps highlight the potato’s importance for global agriculture, economic development, food security and nutrition
29/ 4
2024
World Potato Congress webinar "International Day of Potato 2024 - Harvesting Diversity, Feeding Hope"
Virtual Event, 29/04/2024
World Potato Congress Inc. is pleased to present the Webinar: “International Day of Potato 2024 - Harvesting Diversity, Feeding Hope” presented by Dr André Devaux and Dr. Chikelu Mba, April 29, 2024, at 9:00 am Eastern Standard Time (USA/Canada). The presentation in Spanish will follow at 10:00am Eastern Standard Time (USA/Canada)
Contact: