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Around the world, celebrations are well underway for the 2nd International Day of the Potato, Friday, May 30th.  Launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and themed “Shaping History, Feeding the Future,” the FAO states “ this landmark occasion marks a pivotal moment to honor the potato’s extraordinary journey. From its humble origins in the Andes mountains, its momentous global dissemination following the Columbian Exchange, through the tragic period of the Irish Potato Famine, to its present-day status as a fundamental staple feeding billions, the day acknowledges both the triumphs and the ongoing opportunities and challenges across its entire value chain.”

Across continents, a multitude of initiatives will be designed to shine a spotlight on the potato’s indispensable role in global food security, its nutritional value, and its significant economic contributions. From the kitchens of Australia to the vibrant markets of Chile, the agricultural heartlands of Kenya to the farms of North America and Europe, and every potato-producing region in between, the international potato community is uniting in a truly global display of appreciation.

Spotlight on Global Celebrations:

Kenya:

Our journey begins in Kenya, the proud host of the upcoming 2026 World Potato Congress. This week, the National Potato Council of Kenya is at the forefront, orchestrating two days of planned sessions on Thursday (Youth Day) and Friday (National Potato Conference). These crucial gatherings are laying the groundwork for future advancements in potato research, cultivation techniques, and sustainable agricultural practices, emphasizing Kenya’s continued support in the region’s potato sector.

South Africa:

Potatoes South Africa is making a significant impact on IDP with its Fresh Produce Market Days, held on May 27th in Cape Town and May 30th in Johannesburg. These events are designed to raise awareness to the potato’s critical role in food security and job creation within the country. As one of Africa’s largest potato producers, South Africa aims to increase its current average per capita consumption of 37 kg to over 40 kg in the coming years. The market days feature compelling nutritional showcases, outdoor radio broadcasts with engaging interviews, displays of diverse potato cultivars and their versatile applications, direct engagement with market buyers, and exciting prizes for potato purchasers.

China:

In Beijing, China, the CIP China Center for Asia and the Pacific (CCCAP) will be running a 3-day Conference from May 28-30th focused on the Regenerative practices for a sustainable potato value chain from genetics and breeding to crop management related to soil health, pests and diseases. Invited speakers, in person and remotely include Director General of CIP, Simon Heck, with keynote speakers Peter VanderZaag, World Potato Congress President and Jin Liping, World Potato Congress Global Industry Award recipient. The three-day celebration will end May 30th with a visit for delegates to the CCCAP resource centre, greenhouse and lab.

Chile:

The Chilean Potato Association (ACHIPA) is hosting a major event anticipating over 200 attendees. Titled ” International Day of Potato: From the Field to the Table, Nurturing the Future,” the event will celebrate the potato’s vital importance in Chile as a nutritious and healthy food, as well as its crucial role in food security and sovereignty. As the second most important food crop for the Chilean population, with a production of 1 million tons, the potato holds immense significance.

Distinguished national and international specialists will deliver insightful talks on crucial topics such as sustainability, technological innovation, and adaptation to climate change while sessions on “Quality of the potato and its contribution to the Chilean diet” will highlight the tuber’s nutritional value and the importance of preserving its quality from farm to fork.

Chile boasts a unique collection of native potato germplasm, capable of tuberizing in long days, and attendees will gain historical context on its domestication and evolution. Dr. André Devaux, a World Potato Congress Board member and Emeritus Researcher of the International Potato Center (CIP), will present on “Diversification of production and contribution of potato to rural development and food security.” The event will also feature a comprehensive ‘Technology Fair’ with exhibitions of machinery, processed products, and engaging live culinary demonstrations. The day will conclude with a forum summarizing key conclusions and lessons learned, inspiring participants to plan for a future where May 30th is recognized as a National Potato Day in Chile.

Australia:

As the International Day of the Potato draws near, Potatoes Australia Ltd is extending a nationwide call to businesses, producers, and food industry leaders to join in a collective celebration of one of Australia’s most beloved and essential crops. With the Australian potato industry producing over 1.5 million tonnes in 2023/24, valued at more than $1.1 billion, Potatoes Australia Ltd has officially registered its participation in the global event. They are rolling out national initiatives designed to boost the visibility of Australian-grown potatoes and potato products, while simultaneously supporting local producers, packers, and processors. Tanya Pittard, Chair of Potatoes Australia Ltd, emphasizes, “Potatoes are a powerful, nutrient-dense vegetable and a cornerstone of Australian horticulture. This year, we’re calling on all industry stakeholders to join forces to educate, inspire, and engage Australians in celebrating the versatility and value of locally grown potatoes.”

As part of their impactful campaign, Potatoes Australia has launched three new initiatives to ignite community participation including a  special live stream event on May 30th featuring leading Australian Advanced Accredited Practicing Dietitian and Nutritionist, Jemma O’Hanlon, who will share insights into the potato’s nutritional benefits, a Potatoes Australia Photo Competition, inviting Australians to capture their love for potatoes in various settings—on the farm, in the kitchen, or at the dining table. Participants have the chance to win great prizes, with winning entries featured on their website and social media.

They also will  launch  Team Potatoes – Australia, a movement that celebrates everyday athletes who fuel their bodies with potatoes to achieve their best. Following its success in the USA, Team Potato officially hit Australian shores this May.

Europe: Forging a Sustainable Future for the Potato

In Europe, Europatat have already played a central role in the celebrations this week, gathering international and EU policymakers, potato industry leaders, and experts in Brussels on May 27th. High-level speakers and panelists delved into how potatoes can contribute to building resilient and sustainable food systems, while sponsors showcased innovative and sustainable practices during an engaging exhibition titled “from seed to plate.”

Key speakers included Raschad Al-Khafaji, Director of FAO Brussels – Liaison Office with the European Union and Belgium, who delivered the opening speech on the importance of the International Day of the Potato. Czeslaw Siekierski, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Poland, highlighted Poland’s prominent role in potato production and the achievements of the Polish Presidency. Ricard Ramon, Head of Unit – Policy Perspectives (A.1), DG AGRI, European Commission, shared the EU Vision for Agriculture and Food and the future of potato production in Europe. The event also featured a “Potato Chain Exhibition & Networking Cocktail Reception,” an interactive exhibit showcasing the actions taken by various actors in the potato supply chain to support the sustainable production and ensure the continued supply of high-quality products to the European and global markets.

Canary Islands: A Cinematic Journey Through Potato History

The Canary Islands will mark the IDP celebration on Wednesday, May 28th, with a special session with invited speaker Dr. André Devaux, a World Potato Congress Board member  A highlight of the event will be the presentation of the film “Axomama,” produced by Jean-Louis Gonterre, which tells the captivating story of the potato’s history and its remarkable voyage to Europe.

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United States: Celebrating Legacies, Cultivating the Future

On May 30th, Potatoes USA is proudly joining the global celebration of the International Day of the Potato, embracing this year’s theme.  They will honor multi-generational U.S. potato farming families, highlighting their dedication and innovative spirit that continue to shape the crop’s rich legacy. Their compelling stories will speak to how American farmers have significantly contributed to the potato’s global journey, seamlessly bridging tradition with cutting-edge technology to nourish communities both locally and worldwide. By celebrating the past while making crucial investments in the future, these families truly embody the theme and emphasize the pivotal role U.S. agriculture plays in ensuring national and global food security. Potatoes USA looks forward to sharing these inspiring narratives across their social channels.

Canada:

Potato Organizations across the country are promoting IDP.  To celebrate International Day of the Potato on May 30th, the Prince Edward Island Potato Board has organized a wide-ranging promotional campaign from May 26–30 to promote potato consumption and the importance of the industry.  The promotion will include radio interviews with PEI Potato Board General Manager and WPC Board Director Greg Donald and the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Bloyce Thompson.  A dedicated social media campaign, boosted by influencer support, will complement the media efforts, along with the release of a video showcasing the vital role of potatoes in the province’s economy and culture. On Friday, radio stations will host on-air giveaways throughout the day, offering  prize packs featuring potato swag, potato cookbooks, and grand prizes including “Free Fries for a Year” . Radio station cruisers will stop by farms in each county and the Canadian Potato Museum to showcase the people behind the Canadian potato industry.

International Day of the Potato promises to be a truly global event, showcasing the potato’s profound impact on human history, its current critical role in sustaining populations, and its immense potential to address future food challenges.

The World Potato Congress invites you to join in celebrating this extraordinary tuber that truly shapes our past and feeds our future!

How can you Celebrate:

More resources can be found on the FAO website to help in promoting and shaping your day.

• Official Press release: https://www.fao.org/plant-production-protection/news-and-events/news/news-detail/fao-announces-the-theme-for-international-day-of-potato-2025/en

• The second edition of A Guide to International Day of Potato for ideas, resources, and practical tips for different stakeholders to engage in the Day meaningfully. Available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.

• The International Day of Potato website for up-to-date news, stories, events, videos, and facts on the potato.

• The Digital Media Hub to download the official visual identity and communications materials in six official FAO languages to advocate for the potato.

• The Trello board to access ready-to-use social media contents and publish your posts incorporating the hashtag #InternationalDayofPotato.

The original slogan and logo “Harvesting diversity, feeding hope”, will remain as the permanent visual for IDP with a new theme chosen each year.

The FAO and WPC encourages all levels to use the guide, visual identity and tag line provided by the FAO to celebrate the potato in their region of the globe and share your campaign #InternationalDayofPotato.

As the 3rd most consumed food globally, the potato also offers enormous untapped potential. We can all get involved. Together we can raise awareness and advance the potential of the potato to combat hunger and malnutrition.