News

International Day of Potato · 30 May 2027

 

The World Potato Congress Inc. was pleased to unveil, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the theme for the 2027 International Day of Potato. The launch took place at the 13th World Potato Congress in Naivasha, Kenya, 26–30 October 2026.

Almost 1,000 delegates from 67 countries attended the World Potato Congress in Kenya.

 

 

Dr. Máximo Torero, Chief Economist of the FAO, unveiled the theme by video message. Fittingly, Dr. Torero is originally from Peru, the country that championed the International Day of Potato.

 

 

“Since 2024, on 30 May, the International Day of Potato has highlighted the importance of this crop, consumed by billions of people worldwide. It also recognises the role of family farmers, particularly women, in safeguarding potato diversity, and the crop’s potential to fight hunger and poverty.

As the custodian of the day, the FAO leads the annual observance to raise awareness of the potato’s contribution to sustainable food systems. Following consultations with key partners, including the World Potato Congress and CIP, it is my pleasure to present the theme for 2027: ‘Roots of resilience: Potatoes in a changing climate.’

This topic is extremely relevant today because of the challenges we are facing with the increasing frequency of climate events. It also highlights how we need to increase our resilience. The theme brings together how the potato can adapt to severe environmental stressors. Climate-smart, early-maturing varieties can offer food security during erratic weather patterns.

Building resilience requires conserving genetic resources and biodiversity, promoting sustainable farming practices, and investing in research, innovation and stronger value chains. These efforts can strengthen food security and livelihoods, and create great opportunities for smallholders, especially women and young people. The FAO invites governments, researchers, farmers, the private sector and civil society to be part of bringing this theme to life.”

— Dr. Máximo Torero, Chief Economist, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

 

 

A brief history of the International Day of Potato

“The International Day of Potato did not happen by chance,” says Kouwenberg in her presentation. In 2021, the World Potato Congress Inc., supported by Directors Romain Cools and Dr. André Devaux, began exploring the idea of a day dedicated to the potato. Over the following years, WPC worked with the Government of Peru, which led the effort among countries, and the International Potato Center (CIP) to make the case to the FAO and the United Nations.

• December 2023
  The United Nations General Assembly in New York adopts by consensus a resolution declaring 30 May the International Day of Potato.
• 30 May 2024
  The first International Day of Potato, launched by the FAO in Rome with WPC’s support. Theme: “Harvesting diversity, feeding hope.”
• 30 May 2025
  The second International Day of Potato. WPC supported the FAO in launching the theme “Shaping history, feeding the future.”
• 30 May 2026
  The third International Day of Potato, officially celebrated in Maseru, Lesotho. Theme: “Where potatoes grow, livelihoods flourish.”
• October 2026
  WPC and the FAO unveil the 2027 theme on the main stage of the 13th World Potato Congress in Naivasha, Kenya.
• 30 May 2027
  The fourth International Day of Potato: “Roots of resilience: Potatoes in a changing climate.”

 

 

“The potato is more than a crop. It is a source of nourishment, income and resilience for families and communities around the world. Between now and May 30, I encourage each of you to help bring this theme to life. Host an event, run a webinar, post on social media, or simply tell the story of the potato where you live. Every celebration, large or small, helps raise awareness of this remarkable crop.” — Ellen Kouwenberg

 

Plan Your IDP 2027 Celebration

 

Throwback to May 2026

 

 

Where potatoes grow, livelihoods flourish

 

The 2026 International Day of Potato was officially celebrated in Maseru, Lesotho, on 29 May 2026, as 30 May fell on a Saturday. Hosted by the FAO under the theme “Where potatoes grow, livelihoods flourish,” the event brought together more than 300 potato actors. They included the Chinese Ambassador to Lesotho, a delegation from the Government of Peru, CIP, policy makers, researchers, farmers’ associations and the private sector.

The Hon. Selibe Mochoboroane, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, opened the celebrations. FAO Director-General Dr. QU Dongyu delivered remarks virtually, applauding Lesotho for prioritising its potato value chain.

WPC International Advisor for Africa Dinah Borus represented the World Potato Congress Inc. She was also there for the WPC 2026 Kenya local organising committee and the National Potato Council of Kenya, and was the only female speaker. Her presentation, “The future is rooted in potatoes: why potatoes matter in Africa,” noted that Africa produced 34 million tonnes of potatoes in 2024, less than 10% of global production, and called on Africa to grow its harvest through innovation rather than more land.

Marking 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, Dinah shared how potato enterprises have transformed the lives of three women and their communities: when women grow potatoes, livelihoods and nations flourish.

Celebrating 30 May in Kenya

 

On 30 May 2026, World Potato Congress Inc. President Peter VanderZaag celebrated the International Day of Potato in Meru County, Kenya, at the national celebration hosted by the National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK). He addressed farmers, partners and officials, then joined a field visit to see the potato crop on the ground.

We look forward to seeing how the world celebrates “Roots of resilience: Potatoes in a changing climate” on 30 May 2027.