#InternationalPotatoDay #FoodSecurity #SustainableAgriculture #GlobalNutrition #PotatoCultivation #UNResolution #FAO #WorldPotatoCongress
In a historic move, the United Nations has officially declared May 30 as the International Day of the Potato, recognizing the profound impact of this humble tuber on global food security and nutrition. Spearheaded by Peru and championed through collaborative efforts with the World Potato Congress and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), this annual celebration will commence on May 30, 2024.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru emphasized the vital role of potatoes in ensuring food security, income generation, and environmental sustainability. Small-scale farmers and stakeholders in the value chain are urged to adopt sustainable practices for the benefit of both the environment and social equity.
Since June 2022, Peru initiated diplomatic actions to propose the establishment of an International Potato Day. This proposal gained momentum during the 11th World Potato Congress in Dublin and subsequent discussions within the FAO in Rome. The culmination of these efforts resulted in the unanimous approval of the resolution by the United Nations General Assembly.
FAO, in its press release, welcomed the designation of the International Day of Potato, stressing the importance of raising awareness about a crop that is a staple for billions of people worldwide. This observance builds upon the International Year of Potato in 2008 and aims to underscore the potato’s role in addressing global challenges such as food insecurity, poverty, and environmental threats.
Beth Bechdol, FAO Deputy Director-General, highlighted the multifaceted value of the potato, encompassing nutrition, economics, environment, and culture. The Day intends to spotlight the contribution of potatoes to global food security, poverty reduction, and the livelihoods of millions. Emphasis will also be placed on the invaluable knowledge and practices of Indigenous Peoples related to potato cultivation.
Víctor García Toma, Permanent Representative of Peru to the United Nations, emphasized that the International Day of Potato will draw attention to the ancestral crop’s significance in efforts to combat hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. Furthermore, it aims to encourage agricultural development, enhance food security, promote biodiversity conservation, and underscore the essential role of potatoes in ecosystem functions.
The declaration of May 30 as International Potato Day marks a pivotal moment for acknowledging the importance of potatoes in addressing global challenges. This annual celebration not only recognizes the nutritional, economic, and cultural value of potatoes but also underscores their role in sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. As the international community comes together to celebrate this versatile tuber, it opens new avenues for promoting agricultural development, food security, and biodiversity conservation.
