International Day of Potato 2026; May 30th.

FORUM: "Where potatoes grow, livelihoods flourish". International Day of Potato 2026. The observance will serve not only as a celebration of the crop itself, but also as a global call to support farmers, strengthen food systems and ensure sustainable livelihoods for communities connected to potato production around the world. The theme emphasizes the vital role of potatoes in improving livelihoods, strengthening rural economies and supporting sustainable agrifood systems across the world. From the Andean highlands where potatoes were first domesticated thousands of years ago to modern farming regions in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America, the potato continues to be one of the world’s most important food crops. Potatoes are cultivated in more than 150 countries and consumed daily by billions of people. Beyond being a staple food, the crop supports millions of farmers, workers, traders, processors and businesses throughout the potato value chain. The 2026 observance will focus on how potato farming and related industries create employment opportunities, increase rural incomes and contribute to poverty reduction. A major focus of the 2026 edition will be recognizing the role of small-scale family farmers, including women farmers, in preserving potato biodiversity and traditional farming knowledge. Indigenous communities and local producers who continue to cultivate heirloom potato varieties will also be acknowledged for safeguarding the crop’s rich genetic diversity. The observance builds upon the legacy of the International Year of the Potato 2008, which first drew global attention to the crop’s importance in combating hunger and poverty. Since then, potatoes have gained greater recognition as a resilient and efficient crop capable of producing high yields while using relatively limited land and water resources. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #30May, #Potato, #InternationalDayOfPotato.

EVENTS: On Saturday, May 30th, 2026; The International Day of Potato 2026 will be observed by the Food and Agriculture Organization, the 2026 observance highlights the theme: "Where potatoes grow, livelihoods flourish". As climate change, economic pressures and food insecurity continue to challenge global food systems, potatoes are increasingly viewed as a strategic crop for the future. Their adaptability to different climates and growing conditions makes them essential for building more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.  The event will also highlight the potato’s contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: Ending hunger and improving food security; Promoting sustainable agriculture; Supporting economic growth and decent work; Building climate resilience in agrifood systems; Encouraging inclusive rural development. The International Day of Potato 2026 will bring together governments, agricultural organizations, researchers, farmers, industry leaders, educators and consumers to celebrate the crop’s economic, nutritional and cultural importance. Register to participate and watch the livestream!

The third observance of the International Day of Potato, on 30 May 2026, under the theme Where potatoes grow, livelihoods flourish emphasizes the role of potatoes in strengthening livelihoods for farmers and value chain actors from the highlands of the Andes to Africa, Europe, Asia and beyond. By advancing potato farming and value chain development, the crop contributes to poverty reduction, resilience and more inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems.


Join us on Friday, 29 May 2026 (as 30 May falls on a Saturday), for the main global event hosted in the Kingdom of Lesotho and a complementary event at FAO headquarters, championed by the Government of Peru and Spain in collaboration with other Members. Additionally, from 29 May to 5 June, visit the Journey of the Potato exhibition at the FAO Museum close to the Food lab and explore the global journey of the potato spanning 8 000 years and tracing the potato’s roots to its birthplace near Lake Titicaca in the Andes Mountains, where early farmers first domesticated wild tubers. Ahead of the event, dive into our 'Get Involved' guide to learn more about how you can contribute to promoting sustainable development through potatoes.



AGENDA PROGRAMME

Global Celebration of International Day of Potato, hosted by the Kingdom of Lesotho.

Venue: Avani Lesotho hotel, Maseru, Lesotho
Time: 08:00 – 13:00
Language: English
Click here for the webcast

Master of ceremony: Lekhooe Makhate, Director of Marketing, Ministry of Agriculture, Food Securty and Nutrition, Lesotho.

AGENDA PROGRAMME

08.00 Arrival All
08.45 Welcome poem (Sesotho) Sotho kids
09.00 Opening prayer Volunteer
09.05 Welcome remarks Khothatso Ts’ooana, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, the Kingdom of Lesotho
09:10 Video presentation: Success in the fields Featuring Maleuta and Madiholo
09:20 Farmers perspectives: Successes and hurdles Lesotho National Farmers Union (LENAFU) and Potato Lesotho Association (PLA) Farmer Representatives
09:35 One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative in Lesotho: Progress report Tsebang Lebata, OCOP National Focal Point
09:50 Cultural performance Sotho kids
10:00 Group photo and health break All
10:30 Potato’s role in agriculture and food security Selebalo Moeketsi, Director Crops Services (a.i.)
10:45 The future is rooted in potatoes - Trends in Africa
Dinah Borus, World Potato Congress (Kenya)

11:00 Potato: A Crop for Food Security, Resilience, and Opportunity in Africa
Abdul Naico, International Potato Center (CIP)

11:15 Statement from Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Lesotho His Excellency Yang Xiaokun. Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Lesotho
11:30 FAO regional vision Patrice Talla, FAO representative
11:45 Global message

QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General


12:00 - Exhibition walk-through (Tech showcase and food tasting)

Crops and Nutrition departments
12:30 Cultural performance Sotho kids
12:45 Key note address and closing remarks Hon. Selibe Mochoboroane, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, the Kingdom of Lesotho
13:00 Reception All

Cooking demonstration hosted by the Government of Peru and Spain

Time: 11:00 -13:00
Venue: FAO headquarters (Food lab)
Language: Spanish and English

Moderator: José Carlos Capel, journalist, food critic and President of Madrid Fusión


AGENDA PROGRAMME

11:00–11:10 Opening remarks Manuel José Antonio Cacho Sousa
Velázquez, Ambassador of Peru to Italy

11:10 – 11:20 Video message Máximo Torero, FAO Chief Economist
11:20 – 12:30 Presentation on the history of the Spanish potato omelette accompanied by a Spanish and Peruvian cooking show centered on potatoes José Carlos Capel, journalist, food critic, and President of Madrid Fusión

12:30 – 12:50 Tasting of Spanish potato omelette and Peruvian carapulcra All
12:50 – 13:00 Closing remarks Fernando Miranda, Deputy Permanent Representative of Spain to FAO

 

ACTIVITIES: Several activities worldwide include International conferences and policy discussions; Farmer-focused workshops and training programmes; Potato exhibitions and innovation showcases; Educational campaigns in schools and universities; Culinary events celebrating potato-based cuisines; Community outreach and awareness programmes; Research presentations on sustainability and climate resilience. 

Why innovation matters?

Across the agricultural sector, investment is increasingly focused on developing crop protection technologies that are more targeted, reliable and aligned with evolving environmental and consumer expectations. Continued investment in crop protection innovation is helping growers manage weeds, pests and diseases more effectively, while an increasing focus is being placed on biological solutions such as biostimulants that help crops reach their genetic potential. But technology alone is not enough. Even the best crop protection only delivers value when applied at the right time, under the right conditions and as part of a broader production strategy. This is one reason digital agriculture is becoming increasingly important.

What is the role of digital agriculture in The future of potato production?

Digital agriculture platforms are providing growers with tools to improve planning, timing and operational visibility across production cycles. Better decisions in the field ultimately contribute to more efficient resource use, stronger returns and improved sustainability. The future of potato production will depend not only on the availability of new technologies, but also on creating an environment that supports continued agricultural research and development investment. Long development timelines, increasing regulatory complexity and the protection of innovation all influence how quickly new solutions can reach farmers. Without continued investment in research and innovation, growers have fewer alternatives available to respond to changing pest, climate and market challenges.

For further information contact us on International-Day-of-Potato@fao.org