International Day of the Potato

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.

In a rapidly changing world where food production must evolve to meet both human needs and environmental constraints, the potato stands out as a highly valuable, underutilized, and forward-thinking solution . With increasing concerns over climate change, water scarcity, and global food insecurity, investment in potato research , sustainable farming practices , and modernized supply chains will be critical in securing the future of this crop as a staple in global agriculture

Better Life : Potatoes are a staple crop that can contribute to food security and create livelihood opportunities.  • The potato value chain , from cultivation through processing for added value and packaging to marketing, provide immense opportunities for decent employment for rural and urban dwellers, including women and young people. • Potato-based snack production and marketing is a growing industry in urban areas providing opportunities for entrepreneurship for young people. • Small-scale farmers , who are the custodians of the wide variety of potatoes, can improve their livelihoods through better access to innovative technologies and markets. KEY MESSAGES

It’s a good idea to inspect your potatoes before you buy them . A little dirt is fine and perfectly normal, but you want to watch out for and avoid any sprouting from the eyes (the little indents in the potato), soft spots, cuts and gouges, or any potato with a green tint to the skin. Green coloring means the potato has been exposed to too much light and developed the toxin solanine, which can cause some nasty conditions like cramping, headaches, diarrhea, and fever. Such a potato also will have a bitter flavor.

In 2025: The International Day of Potato  theme  'Shaping history, feeding the future' acknowledges the potato’s deep historical and cultural significance and its evolving role in today's global agrifood systems . The potato represents one of the most important contributions of the Andean region to the entire world , as it is one of the five main food crops consumed in the world, contributing to food security . There are more than 4,500 varieties of native potatoes , mostly found in the Andes. They come in many sizes and shapes.Each of these varieties fit into one of seven potato type categories: russet , red , white , yellow , blue/purple , fingerling , and petite . Small-scale and family farming production of the potato , particularly by rural farmers, including women farmers, supports efforts to reduce hunger, malnutrition and poverty, and achieve food security, and relies on and contributes greatly to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

Creamers are a small type of thin-skinned potato known for it’s creamy texture and buttery flavor. They’re often confused for “new” potatoes, which are harvested before they’re fully grown. Creamer potatoes are fully mature, despite their small size. Use them anywhere that calls for a small potato or take advantage of their tiny size and cook them whole. Type: Waxy Best for: Roasting, boiling, pan-frying Creamer Potato Recipes: Bacon-Wrapped Potato Bites . Garlic Butter Smashed Potatoes . Crash Hot Potatoes . Herb Garden Potatoes with Fresh Spinach & Lemon .

These smallish oblong potatoes have very dark purple skin and flesh , which is both moist and firm. They retain their color when cooked and are known for being high in antioxidants. Type: All-purpose Best for: Roasting, baking, soup, deep-frying, pan-frying Purple Majesty Potato Recipes: Mixed New Potato Salad with Sweet Basil and Shallots Potato Salad with Yogurt, Arugula, and Dill

Japanese sweet potatoes have pink or purple skin with yellow or white flesh that’s a bit drier, but also slightly creamier than the typical orange-colored varieties. Its flavor is sweet and nutty. You can use them in many of the same ways you would an orange sweet potato. Type: Starchy Best for: Steaming, grilling, baking Japanese Sweet Potato Recipes: Sweet Potato Hash with Caramelized Onions, Sausage & Eggs No-Knead Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls Morning Glory Sweet Potato Muffins

Say “potato” and most people will think of Russet potatoes, also commonly referred to as Idaho potatoes. They are typically quite large with rough brown skin. Most of your french fries are made with this faithful standby. The starch makes fries fluffy on the inside, but crispy on the outside. Type: Starchy Best for: Baking, frying, mashing Russet Potato Recipes: Perfect Mashed Potatoes Scalloped Potatoes Shoestring Fries

This policy brief addresses the issue of limited farmer access to quality seed of Irish potato varieties in demand in local markets , which is a severe constraint for the potato sector in eastern Africa. It provides evidence in support of urgently needed action and presents options for practical decisions by policy-makers in the subregion. KEY MESSAGES   The evolution of potato as a cash crop provides the need and the opportunity to invest in its seed systems.   Roots and tubers seed systems have specific characteristics that necessitate specific strategies. For instance, the private sector involvement in the production of early generation seeds should be facilitated.  The formal and informal seed markets are interlinked. Seed laws, policies and regulations and their implementation strategies should therefore address both. This policy brief has been produced with the assistance of the European Union under the project ‘’Strengthening linkages between small-scale actors an...