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 .

Eaten by over one billion people , the potato is the third most available food crop globally – after rice and wheat, making it a crucial staple. And today for the first time, it was celebrated with its very own International Day, as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and partners highlighted the potato’s significance and called for more investments to tap into its full potential. “The potato has been the most important lifesaving, staple food and nutritious vegetable in the world,” FAO Director-General QU Dongyu said in a video message to mark the event, under the theme of “Harvesting diversity, feeding hope”. Qu added that in Europe, the increase of potato production after the 16th century following Christopher Colombus’ return from the Americas with the potato, which originated in the Andes, has impacted food security dramatically. Participants in a high-level event at FAO’s headquarters to mark the day included Angel Manuel Manero Campos, Minister of A...