May 30, 2025Countries celebrate International Day of the Potato
Countries around the world celebrated the second observance of the International Day of the Potato on May 30.
The event was first marked in 2024 after an official proclamation by the United National General Assembly in December 2023.
This year’s theme was “Shaping History, Feeding the Future,” according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)’s website.
“From its domestication in the Andes, to its global spread through the Columbian Exchange and its involvement in key historical events such as the Irish Potato Famine, the potato has shaped civilizations and diets across continents over several millennia,” according to FAO, which is marking its 80th anniversary this year.
The day highlighted the potato’s contribution to food security, nutrition and livelihoods, especially for small-scale farmers, while encouraging reflections on the crop’s production constraints and efforts to strengthen its value chain.
World Potato Congress provided a snapshot of how countries marked the event:
United States
Potatoes USA highlighted multi-generational U.S. potato farming families, sharing stories of operations from California to Pennsylvania on its website.
Canada
A Prince Edward Island Potato Board promotional campaign included the release of a video showcasing the role of potatoes in the province’s economy and culture. On Friday, radio stations hosted on-air giveaways, offering potato prize packs.
Kenya
Host of the upcoming 2026 World Potato Congress, Kenya organized two days of sessions focused on potato research, cultivation techniques and sustainable agricultural practices.
South Africa
Fresh Produce Market Days were held on May 27 and May 30 in Johannesburg to raise awareness of the potato’s role in food security and job creation. South Africa aims to increase its current average per capita potato consumption of 37 kilograms (81.6 pounds) to more than 40 kg (88 pounds).
China
In Beijing, the CIP-China Center for Asia and the Pacific held a three-day conference focused on regenerative practices from genetics and breeding to crop management.
Chile
The Chilean Potato Association played host to “International Day of Potato: From the Field to the Table, Nurturing the Future,” celebrating potatoes as the country’s second-most important food crop.
Australia
Potatoes Australia unveiled initiatives to boost the visibility of Australian-grown potatoes and potato products, including Team Potatoes – Australia, a movement highlighting everyday athletes who fuel their bodies with potatoes.
Europe
Europatat gathered international and EU policymakers, potato industry leaders and experts in Brussels on May 27 to explore how potatoes can contribute to building sustainable food systems.
