International Day of the Potato

  The third International Day of Potato will be observed on 29 May 2026 (as 30 May falls on a Saturday) under the theme Where potatoes grow, livelihoods flourish . The theme positions the role of potatoes in strengthening livelihoods for farmers and value chain actors —from the highlands of the Andes to Africa, Europe, Asia and beyond. By advancing potato farming and value chain development , the crop contributes to poverty reduction, resilience and more inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems .

The third observance of the International Day of Potato, will be held on 30 May 2026, under the theme Where potatoes grow, livelihoods flourish emphasizes the role of potatoes in strengthening livelihoods for farmers and value chain actors from the highlands of the Andes to Africa, Europe, Asia and beyond. By advancing potato farming and value chain development, the crop contributes to poverty reduction, resilience and more inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems. Join us on Friday, 29 May 2026 (as 30 May falls on a Saturday), for the main global event hosted in the Kingdom of Lesotho and a complementary event at FAO headquarters, championed by the Government of Peru and Spain in collaboration with other Members. Additionally, from 29 May to 5 June, visit the Journey of the Potato exhibition at the FAO Museum close to the Food lab and explore the global journey of the potato spanning 8 000 years and tracing the potato’s roots to its birthplace near Lake Titicaca in the Andes Mount...

The global population is projected to approach 10 billion by 2050, placing immense pressure on food production systems already strained by climate change, resource depletion, and shifting agricultural landscapes. The challenge ahead is not simply to produce more food, but to ensure that food is nutritious, accessible, and produced sustainably while preserving the planet’s limited natural resources. As the global population grows and natural resources become increasingly strained, the agricultural sector faces the daunting challenge of producing more food with fewer inputs. Climate variability is already reshaping the world’s farming landscapes, with rising temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, and declining water availability threatening traditional crop production. At the same time, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and economic instability are pressuring farmers and policymakers to seek sustainable solutions that can ensure food security without further harming the enviro...

One of the potato ’s greatest strengths is its remarkable adaptability to different growing environments . Unlike many staple crops, which require specific climatic conditions, potatoes can flourish across a vast range of ecosystems , including: High-altitude mountain regions (e.g., the Andes and the Himalayas) Arid and semi-arid plains (e.g., parts of Africa and Central Asia) Cold temperate climates (e.g., Canada, Northern Europe, Russia) Humid subtropical regions (e.g., parts of Asia and South America) This versatility is particularly critical in a world where climate conditions are becoming increasingly unpredictable. As extreme weather events—such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves—become more common, the reliability of traditional grain-based food systems is increasingly at risk.

Beyond its agronomic benefits, the potato produces more calories per hectare than almost any other staple crop. This makes it a powerful tool for food security, especially in countries with limited arable land and high population density. According to agricultural studies, potatoes yield two to four times more calories per hectare than wheat or rice, making them one of the most land-efficient food sources. Their ability to store well under proper conditions further enhances their role in ensuring food availability during lean seasons or post-disaster recovery periods. In emergency situations—such as natural disasters or conflict zones—potatoes can serve as a critical food supply that replenishes rapidly, reducing dependency on costly food imports.

As climate change continues to disrupt traditional farming practices , global food security policies must prioritize crops that offer stability, resilience, and efficiency. The potato ’s low resource requirements, fast maturation, and adaptability make it an essential component of sustainable agricultural strategies aimed at addressing food insecurity while reducing environmental strain . To fully harness the potential of potatoes , agricultural policymakers and industry leaders must take decisive action by: Investing in research and development to create even more climate-adaptive, disease-resistant, and nutrient-enriched potato varieties. Expanding knowledge-sharing programs that educate farmers on best practices for sustainable potato farming. Improving farming infrastructure to support increased potato production , including irrigation systems, storage facilities, and processing plants. Incorporating potatoes into national food security frameworks , ensuring that governments ...