Potatoes: So Familiar, So Much More to Learn

30/05/2022

A staple food for the world's population, potatoes are rich in carbohydrates, providing a primary source of energy. They also contain several micronutrients including B vitamins, vitamin C, folate, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. Potatoes are a vital part of the global food system and play a critical role in strengthening world food security and alleviating poverty.

Sustainable production of potato can contribute to all four pillars of food security: availability, access, utilization and stability. Due to its large genetic diversity, and its current cultivation and demand, potato research and innovation can contribute to sustainable agrifood systems and help to achieve Zero Hunger and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The International Year of the Potato (IYP) in 2008 was a celebration of one of humanity’s most important and universally loved staple foods.

With the kickstart of the World Potato Congress (30 May-2 June), have a look at a selection of FAO publications on potatoes to gain better insights into this global common food.

World Food and Agriculture – Statistical Yearbook 2021

This publication offers a synthesis of the major factors at play in the global food and agricultural landscape. Asia leads in the production of potatoes, accounting for 51 percent of the world total.

Access to markets for small actors in the roots and tubers sector. Tailored financial services and climate risk management tools to link small farmers to markets

This report notes that, despite positive results in market linkages and production intensification for roots and tubers, it is necessary to unlock access to credit, and provide small actors with climate risk management tools to cope with climate variability affecting production and prices.

Accelerated vocational training in agriculture curriculum of module on field crop production: potato

This curriculum aims to train young people and introduce them to areas related to potato production. For use in training and technical and vocational education for the age group 14-25.

Strategic analysis and intervention plan for potatoes and potato products in the Agro-Commodities Procurement Zone of the pilot Integrated Agro-Industrial Park in Central-Eastern Oromia, Ethiopia

This plan aims at driving the structural transformation of the Ethiopian economy by creating a better environment for increased investments in agro-processing and allied sectors, such as the potato sub-sector, and focuses on seeds and agro-chemicals as core intervention areas.

Potatoes: So Familiar, So Much More to Learn

30/05/2022

FAO Organizational Chart