Youth embrace innovation and culture at FAO’s International Day of Potato celebration
FAO Director-General and the President of Peru deliver messages at the end of a five-day exhibition in Rome to mark International Day of Potato
Dialogue with youth at FAO headquarters.
©FAO/Vladimir Mijatovic
Rome – More than 20 students from Rome-based universities and youth from the World Food Forum Italy Chapter gathered at FAO headquarters today to celebrate the International Day of Potato.
Welcoming the youth delegation, Yurdi Yasmi, Director, Plant Production and Protection division, highlighted the transformative potential of young people to reshape agrifood systems.
“Your ideas, energy, and innovation are essential to transforming how we grow and produce food,” he said. “Youth can be engaged throughout the agricultural value chain, particularly in the area of promotion of emerging technologies, automation, and innovation.”
From Field to Future: Dialogue with Experts
The students participated in a dialogue led by Ronnie Brathwaite, Senior Agricultural Officer and Team Leader for the Ecosystem Approach to Sustainable Crop Production Intensification team. He provided an overview of FAO’s work in sustainable crop production and emphasized the importance of balancing productivity with environmental protection.
“We need practical, science-based solutions that help farmers feed the world while safeguarding our planet,” he said.
Potatoes Take the Stage
The students explored the International Day of Potato exhibition and joined the 'Potato Talks' where they learned about the crop’s history and contribution to food security and nutrition.
“It was incredible to see how a simple crop like the potato can open up opportunities for youth in entrepreneurship, research, and much more,” said Joao from Brazil.
Alaptageen from Pakistan added: “Learning how FAO supports farmers to use fewer resources and still get better yields was super inspiring. That’s real innovation.”
A Taste of Culture
The celebration included a culinary demonstration led by Javier Manrique, Resident Chef at the Embassy of Peru in Rome. Guests sampled a variety of traditional Peruvian potato dishes, showcasing the crop’s versatility and deep cultural roots.
The event also featured a vibrant Huaylarsh Agrícola dance performance by a Peruvian troupe, adding a festive cultural note to the day. Among the distinguished guests was H.E. Don Manuel José Antonio Cacho-Sousa Velázquez, Ambassador of Peru to Italy.
