News

Harvesting Diversity, Feeding Hope

“So, why potato? …. Because behind every potato, there’s a story of resilience, of determination and of hope. Because the potato isn’t just a vegetable; it’s a symbol of empowerment, of transformation, and of the boundless potential that lies within each and every one of us”. (Excerpt – Kenya’s National Potato Conference Guidebook-May 30, 2024).

This week, the world comes together to celebrate the world’s third largest food crop.  “An idea initiated by the World Potato Congress Inc., supported by UN member countries, and propelled forward by Peru and the FAO arm of the United Nations, we are excited to see the momentum build and plans and celebrations shared with us here at the WPC.” says WPC President Peter VanderZaag.

Let’s take a look at a small sampling of what’s happening around the globe this week, and on May 30th…

 

North America:
In North America, campaigns are underway in the USA. Mexico and many provinces of Canada including Prince Edward Island and Alberta.

The General Manager of the PEI Potato Board, Greg Donald, who also serves on the Executive of the World Potato Congress Board of Directors as WPC Treasurer, has shared their plans for May 30th. “We celebrate potatoes every day on PEI, but we are so happy to see International Day of Potato come to fruition and the global support come together to commemorate the most important crop we have” says Donald in the PEI Potato Board’s official press release.  The PEI Potato Board has a number of activities planned that include, but not limited to, social media promotion, podcasts, radio and TV interviews, potato donations to local food banks, live giveaways and more.  They have also reached out to various restaurants who will celebrate the day with potato recipes.  The Province of Alberta has rolled out additional plans and giveaways as well.

 

The U.S. is celebrating the International Day of the Potato by taking a culinary tour around the world showcasing delicious potato dishes.   Potatoes USA will also be issuing a press release, running ads across all their social media platforms, and dedicating a portion of their website PotatoGoodness.com to celebrate the day.  In addition, if you are a member of the Strava App community, you can join Potatoes USA International virtual 5K race in honor of the potato.
https://www.strava.com/challenges/Potato-Power-Up-by-Potatoes-USA

 

Latin America:
Let’s look to Columbia and AGROSAVIA, a Colombian Corporation for Agricultural Research (www.agrosavia.co),  organizing two main activities for IDP.  On May 29th they will have a Webinar with International Speakers that will be streamed on Youtube.   On May 30th they have a main celebration in the municipality of Cumbal in the south of Colombia, a hotspot of potato biodiversity maintained by indigenous custodians. There, they will have a seed fair, traditional food fair and cultural activities with the ethnic community of Los Pastos.

On May 30th, in Chile, home to WPC International Advisor and ALAP Vice President Julio Kalazich, there will be a Seminar organized by the Chilean Potato Association, in which Julio Kalazich will attend as guest speaker.

In Ecuador, at the International Potato Center Office in Quito, an event will be cosponsored by the Ecuadorean National Agricultural Research Institute (INIAP) and FAO. Presentations will include the importance of potatoes in the Ecuadorean economy from the Vice Minister of Production, the Ecuadorean Representative for Interamerican Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA), the Executive Director of INIAP, leaders in the development of potato products in the private sector (i.e. KIWA), Ecuadorean chefs, leaders of potato cooperatives, and the representative for CIP. Leading researchers and practitioners who have made an impact on the potato industry will also be recognized.  This event will be livestreamed here.  The day will also include a fair where farmers will showcase their potatoes, the private sector’s potato-based products, and the latest research and programs in Ecuador on potatoes with 80 participants.

In Peru, the Government of Peru is inviting everyone to join in celebrating the Potato — READ MORE HERE.

 

Europe:
Global celebrations have already kicked off in Europe with Europatat introducing “7 Days, 7 Potato Facts”.

Europatat, the European potato trade organization has launched the campaign  “7 days, 7 potato facts” in the context of the first International Day of Potato to highlight the importance of potatoes in EU’s agriculture, economy, nutrition, and environment. The campaign was officially launched during the Europatat Congress on 24 May. During the week, Europatat has been publishing on their social media channels (LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram).  Guidelines for Europatat’s campaign can be found here. Individual countries within Europe have also launched campaigns to celebrate.

 

Africa:
Over 1000 are expected at the two days of celebrations during Kenya’s National Potato Conference and Expo in the potato producing county of Nyandarua.

“As we embark on this journey of celebration and reflection, it is essential to acknowledge the pivotal role of the potato industry in Kenya’s agricultural landscape. The potato sector plays a crucial role in driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and improving livelihoods for millions of individuals across the country”.

Speakers will include country government officials, CIP representative Dr. Paul Demo, country FAO representative Tito Arunga, Hon Mithika Linturi of the Ministry of Agriculture, Stella Chepgeno, Director of Women Economic Empowerment,  and WPC International Advisor and CEO of NPCK, Wachira Kaguongo.  Download the Guide Book here (PDF).

 

China:
In China, a number of celebration activities for the first IDP have been organized recently from north to south by the China’s Potato Association. Those activities included academic seminars, field trips and business promotions.

 

Australia and India:
In countries such as Australia, and India, local potato organizations and businesses will celebrate with press releases, summits and announcements by government ministers on the importance of the potato industry in their region as well as its impact around the globe.  In coordination with the Australian celebrations, Potatoes Australia has launched this dedicated webpage.  “This webpage is designed for organizations and groups to showcase their local events and initiatives scheduled for May 30th, 2024. It serves as a central hub for individuals and communities across Australia to come together, share their plans, connect with like-minded potato enthusiasts, and access resources to enhance their celebrations.”

 

Back to Rome and the official launch by the United Nations:
The inaugural and official celebration of the International Day of Potato on May 30 will be held at FAO Headquarters in Rome and online. The day will bring together ministers, experts, and communities from around the world to spotlight the potato’s vital role in enhancing nutrition, ensuring food security, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

Details on this program include speaking opportunity by WPC Director and initial lead of the International Day of the Potato, Dr. Andre Devaux,  can be found here.

Official FAO events:

• The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) holds two events that you can follow online
• Special event: “Fundamental role of the potato value chain in global food security”
  30 May 2024 | 14.30-15.30 (CEST) | Sheikh Zayed Centre and online
• High-Level Ceremony “Harvesting diversity, feeding hope”
  30 May 2024 | 16.00-17.30 (CEST) | Sheikh Zayed Centre and online

 

Be sure to search and follow the official hashtag to learn more about what is happening in your region of the World.

#InternationalDayOfPotato

 

---

Join us in celebrating the next World Potato Congress in Adelaide, Australia in June 2024!

Come and say G’day! For more information, please visit World Potato Congress or contact our Meeting Managers: The Conference Company.  Email: wpc@theconferencecompany.com
Freephone (within Aus): 1800 193 405 or Telephone: +64 9 360 1240

The World Potato Congress Inc. initiatives are funded in part by the following Sustaining Partners.  For more information on how your company can benefit from partnership, please inquire at info@potatocongress.org or visit our partners page.