Campaign aims to raise public awareness about the economic, social and environmental importance of the potato
INTERNATIONAL Potato Day, a celebration of what is arguably the most important crop consumed by more than one billion people around the world, will be celebrated on May 30th, with a number of awareness-raising messages for the public and legislators being highlighted on the day.
The theme of the event will be ‘Harvesting diversity, feeding hope’, in recognition of the many varieties now offered by breeders, today’s diverse production systems, culinary preferences and industrial applications.
The global campaign, which is organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, aims to raise public awareness about the economic, social and environmental importance of the potato and its contribution to food security and nutrition, while advocating for the replication of best practices and development of sustainable value chains. Peru suggested the event to the UN in July last year.
The International Day will also provide a platform to emphasise the contributions of potatoes in improving food security and nutrition and livelihoods, and examine the constraints to optimising the benefits from the crop’s value chains, especially its potential to transform agrifood systems and, ultimately, contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
At a time when agrifood systems are in peril around the world, there are now more than 5,000 improved varieties of potato available.
A newly-published ‘get involved guide’ gives more details and provides information on the event’s key messages. There are suggestions for government bodies, food business operators, NGOs, educators and parents who wish to organise events and activities to engage their local and regional communities.
Deputy Director of the FAO Plant Production and Protection Division, Chikelu Mba, said: “The day goes beyond celebrating the many nutritional and livelihoods benefits of this important crop to recognise the past and current small-scale growers, who as custodians of the thousands of native varieties of potato for several millennia, have bequeathed this enormous diversity to us.
He added that he is keen to hear from anyone who can share their experiences and ‘spotlight’ the crop. Anyone interested in taking part can get in touch here.
Photo: FAO
