The United Nations has declared May 30th as the International Day of the Potato, following a proposal by Peru to the General Assembly of the United Nations. The resolution, originating from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Conference on July 7, 2023, aims to highlight the critical role of this tuber crop in fighting hunger and malnutrition.
Recognized for its significance in global agriculture, economic development, food security, and nutrition, the potato has been crowned as the hero of the day. Peru, housing thousands of potato varieties and the International Potato Center (CIP), has been a vocal advocate in supporting this celebration.
The potato, originating from the South American Andes, ventured into Europe in the 16th century and has since evolved into a global commodity. The FAO emphasized the potato’s contribution in elevating livelihoods in rural areas where resources such as arable land and water are constrained. Moreover, its low greenhouse gas emissions compared to other crops highlight its climate-friendly attributes.
United Nations Declares International Day of the Potato, Emphasizing its Role in Combating Hunger
