International Day of Potato 2025, Date, Theme, History and Significance

On 30 May 2025, the world will mark the second observance of the International Day of Potato, an initiative designed to spotlight the global importance of one of the world’s most versatile and widely consumed crops: the potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). With this year’s theme, “Shaping history, feeding the future,” the day celebrates the potato’s historic legacy, its nutritional value, and its pivotal role in sustainable agrifood systems.

A Crop That Changed the World

The story of the potato begins in the Andes Mountains of South America, where it was first domesticated over 7,000 years ago by Indigenous communities. These early farmers developed a diverse range of heirloom potato varieties, adapting the crop to various altitudes and climates.

The potato’s journey across the globe began during the Columbian Exchange in the 16th century, when it was introduced to Europe and, eventually, the rest of the world. Since then, it has played critical roles in human history, not least during the Irish Potato Famine of the mid-19th century, a tragic event that reshaped demographics and migration patterns, especially in Ireland and North America.

The potato’s ability to grow in diverse environments and provide high caloric yields per hectare made it a cornerstone in the development of modern agriculture and food security.

FAO’s 80th Anniversary and a Renewed Commitment

This year’s observance gains further significance as it coincides with the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The day serves as a reaffirmation of FAO’s mission to fight hunger, improve nutrition, and enhance sustainable agricultural practices.

By honoring the International Day of Potato, the FAO and its partners aim to:

• Recognize the crop’s contribution to global food systems
• Highlight the roles of small-scale farmers, many of whom are women, in maintaining potato biodiversity
• Encourage policy action and innovation to improve potato value chains
• Promote the potato’s role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

A Global Staple for Food Security and Livelihoods

The potato is more than just a side dish. It is a nutrient-rich, climate-resilient food crop that feeds billions of people daily. Grown in over 150 countries, the potato contributes significantly to the food security, employment, and income of both urban and rural populations.

From hand-dug fields in Peru to mechanized farms in North America, Europe, and Asia, potatoes are part of a wide spectrum of farming systems. This diversity reflects the crop’s adaptability and its importance to both subsistence farmers and commercial producers.

Challenges and Opportunities for the Future

Despite its global significance, the potato faces numerous challenges that must be addressed to secure its future role in sustainable development:

1. Production Constraints

Issues such as soil degradation, climate change, pest outbreaks, and limited access to quality seed pose threats to productivity and profitability.

2. Biodiversity Conservation

The world’s potato diversity is under threat due to the consolidation of commercial varieties and the loss of traditional landraces. Conservation efforts—both in gene banks and in situ—are essential to maintaining this rich genetic heritage.

3. Strengthening the Value Chain

Enhancing infrastructure, storage, and market access can ensure that farmers, especially smallholders, receive fair prices and face less post-harvest loss.

4. Empowering Women and Family Farmers

Family-run farms, often led by women, are custodians of potato diversity and traditional knowledge. Investing in their education, resources, and leadership is crucial for inclusive development.

Celebrating Culture, Cuisine, and Community

The International Day of Potato is not only a day for reflection but also a day of celebration. The culinary versatility of the potato—baked, boiled, fried, or mashed—has made it a beloved ingredient in global cuisines. It features in dishes ranging from Peruvian causa to Indian aloo sabzi, Belgian fries, and Polish pierogi.

Through cultural events, food festivals, and educational campaigns, the day aims to honor the potato’s cultural resonance, while inspiring new generations to appreciate its importance.

Building on Past Initiatives

This observance builds on the momentum of the International Year of the Potato (2008), which first spotlighted the crop’s potential in combating hunger and promoting development. Since then, increased research, investment, and awareness have helped expand global potato production—but more work remains to be done.