International Day of Potato: Shaping history, feeding the future

The second observance of the International Day of Potato, on 30 May 2025, which coincides with the yearlong celebration of the 80th anniversary of FAO’s founding, aims to take stock of the critical contributions that potatoes have made and continue to make to food security and nutrition and livelihood improvement, including that of small-scale farmers; identify constraints to its value chain and imagine the desired future for this seeming ubiquitous staple.

Join us for an hour of insightful discussions, a cooking demonstration and a dance performance. Ahead of the event, dive into our 'Get Involved' guide to learn more about how you can contribute to promoting sustainable development through potatoes.

Let's come together to celebrate this important food crop.

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Programme

Potato exhibition at FAO headquarters

Time: 26 – 30 May 2025

A five-day exhibition will include: historic highlights of potato, books from the FAO David Lubin Memorial Library collection and potato plants, varieties and products.

Potato talks: Shaping history, feeding the future

Time: 30 May 2025| 11.30 -12.30 CEST

Venue: FAO headquarters Atrium and online

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Moderator: Makiko Taguchi, Agricultural Officer, FAO Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP)

• Welcome address: FAO Director-General QU Dongyu - video statement
• Opening remarks: Her Excellency Dina Boluarte, President of Peru - video statement

Speakers

• His Excellency Don Manuel José Antonio Cacho-Sousa Velázquez, Ambassador of Peru
• Claudio Zarri, Machinery expert, Checchi & Magli
• Yurdi Yasmi, Director, FAO, Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP)
• Lynnette Neufeld, Director, FAO Food and Nutrition Division (ESN)

Cooking demonstration

Led by Javier Manrique, Resident Chef, Embassy of Peru in Rome

Potato-inspired dance performance

Featuring a Peruvian dance troupe

All are welcome!

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