ROME, 30th May, 2024 (WAM) -- Eaten by over one billion people, the potato is the third most available food crop globally – after rice and wheat, making it a crucial staple. And today, 30 May, for the first time, it was celebrated with its very own International Day, as the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and partners highlighted the potato’s significance and called for more investments to tap into its full potential.
Through its widespread cultivation and consumption, the crop contributes to key objectives of the SDGs, such as achieving zero hunger, promoting sustainable agriculture and advancing economic opportunities. Potatoes are not just a staple in the diets of many people but also provide key opportunities for employment and sustainable economic growth along their value chains
“The potato has been the most important lifesaving, staple food and nutritious vegetable in the world,” FAO Director-General QU Dongyu said in a video message to mark the event, under the theme of “Harvesting diversity, feeding hope”. Qu added that in Europe, the increase of potato production after the 16th century following Christopher Colombus’ return from the Americas with the potato, which originated in the Andes, has impacted food security dramatically.
The FAO Director-General highlighted key aspects of the potato’s relevance in addressing current global challenges, including conflicts, the climate crisis and economic shock.
He said the potato is an important staple food, which contains vital nutrients, and is consumed by more than two-thirds of the world’s population in different forms. While many other crops, especially cereals, are not sufficiently resilient to challenges, such assoil degradation and water scarcity, the potato has potential for increased productivity. Farmers in approximately 160 countries now produce almost 400 million tons of potato a year. With 735 million people suffering from hunger, potatoes can have a significant role in improving food security and nutrition.
"The potato offers livelihood opportunities for the many farmers who grow it as a cash crop, and those working along its value chain, especially rural small-scale and family farmers. However, we need to exploit its full potential from production, through processing to consumption. With appropriate technologies and equipment, farmers can minimize inputs, minimize damage to the soil and reduce the loss of crops. Processors can innovate with new functional and healthy products, adding value to products and growing their profit margins.''
Participants in a high-level event at FAO’s headquarters to mark the day underlined the importance of protecting the potato and its significance for achieving a number of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Speakers from the World Potato Congress, the private sector and the International Potato Center (CIP), shared lessons learned and perspectives on their future work on the potato.