The International Day of the Potato has been adopted by consensus of the United Nations General Assembly. The first annual event will be held May 30, 2024.
 

It has been a passionate endeavor by the World Potato Congress (WPC) Board of Directors and International Advisors. Credit goes to WPC director André Devaux and Romain Cools, former WPC president, who have coordinated over the last few years with FAO, and the Ministries of Agriculture (MIDAGRI), and Foreign Affairs of Peru.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the Government of Peru states “The potato plays a fundamental role for global food security and nutrition, as well as for income generation, and the need for small-scale farmers and value chain actors to have sustainable practices to ensure environmental protection and social equity."

The annual observance was championed by Peru.
 

“This International Day will shed light on the significant value of the potato – nutritional, economic, environmental and cultural.  It will also highlight the contribution of the potato to global food security, poverty reduction and the livelihoods of millions, while emphasizing the key role of Indigenous Peoples knowledge and practices,” said FAO deputy director-general Beth Bechdol.

Source: World Potato Congress , 2023 news release