1506. International Day of Potato

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) marked the International Day of Potato on 30 May 2026 by highlighting the contribution of potatoes to food security and sustainable agriculture. The theme for 2026 was “Where potatoes grow, livelihoods flourish.”

According to FAO, the potato (Solanum tuberosum) is currently cultivated in 159 countries and has supported human societies for more than 8,000 years. More than 5,000 potato varieties exist worldwide, providing rich genetic diversity that can help agriculture adapt to climate change, pests, and diseases.

Originating in the Andes, the potato is known as a crop that sustained the Inca civilization. It was introduced to Europe in the 16th century, where it became an important food source supporting urbanization and population growth during the Industrial Revolution. FAO also notes that potatoes contributed to famine relief during the Qing Dynasty in China and played a vital role in food security during periods of war and food shortages, including World War II.

At the same time, the Irish Potato Famine of the 1840s is recognized as a historical example of how dependence on a narrow genetic base and limited crop diversity can lead to devastating food crises. According to FAO, this experience highlights the importance of genetic resource conservation and sustainable agricultural systems today.

FAO also points out that potatoes are gaining attention beyond their role as food crops. Potato starch is increasingly being used in biodegradable plastics, food packaging materials, and pharmaceutical capsules, making it a promising bio-based material for more sustainable industries.

In addition, the “Potato Park” near Cusco, Peru, has been established to conserve native potato varieties and traditional farming knowledge. Covering approximately 12,000 hectares, the initiative is managed by local communities and is regarded as an important example of community-based conservation of agricultural biodiversity.

Through this International Day, FAO emphasized that potatoes are not merely staple foods, but crops with multiple functions related to hunger reduction, poverty alleviation, climate adaptation, and rural economic development. The organization also highlighted the important role of small-scale family farmers, including many women farmers, in maintaining potato diversity and supporting sustainable agriculture.

The 2026 International Day of Potato serves as an opportunity to recognize the value of potatoes as a diverse and resilient crop at a time of growing global food insecurity and climate-related risks.

(Reference)
FAO, International Day of Potato | 30 May
https://www.fao.org/international-potato-day/en

Contributor: IIYAMA Miyuki, Strategic Coordination Office