International Day of the Potato

On May 29th, 2026, from 11:00 -13:00  a Cooking demonstration hosted by the Government of Peru and Spain will be held at the FAO headquarters (Food lab). Moderator: José Carlos Capel, journalist, food critic and President of Madrid Fusión AGENDA PROGRAMME 11:00–11:10 Opening remarks Manuel José Antonio Cacho Sousa Velázquez, Ambassador of Peru to Italy 11:10 – 11:20 Video message Máximo Torero, FAO Chief Economist 11:20 – 12:30 Presentation on the history of the Spanish potato omelette accompanied by a Spanish and Peruvian cooking show centered on potatoes José Carlos Capel, journalist, food critic, and President of Madrid Fusión 12:30 – 12:50 Tasting of Spanish potato omelette and Peruvian carapulcra All 12:50 – 13:00 Closing remarks Fernando Miranda, Deputy Permanent Representative of Spain to FAO  

  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...