International Year of the Potato (2008)
In order to raise awareness of the potato's importance to the world's food supply in the future, the United Nations (UN) commemorated the International Year of the Potato in 2008.
The Food and Agriculture Organization's corresponding resolution, passed on November 25, 2005, was intended to speed up implementation of the year and reaffirm "the need to revive public awareness of the relationship that exists between poverty, food security, malnutrition and the potential contribution of the potato to defeating hunger."
One of the many worldwide holidays set aside for particular days, months, and years was this one. The International Year of Sanitation and the year 2008 coincided.
To the extent that the International Year of Rice (2004) inspired exhibits, educational programs, films, publications, and a greater public awareness of international efforts on behalf of our food resources, it was hoped that the designation of the potato as an International Year would do the same for that food staple. Peru has proclaimed 2008 as the country's National Year of the Potato.
Background
For over 8000 years, the Andes Mountains in South America have been a source of food. To grow in various climatic conditions and at various elevations, almost 5000 distinct potato types have been created. Spanish explorers introduced the potato to Europe in the 1500s. Since then, it has expanded throughout the world and been integrated into almost every cuisine.
Today, potatoes are a crucial crop and a priceless source of food for people all over the world. They are a superior source of human food since they are high in protein, potassium, vitamin C, carbs, and carbohydrates. Additionally, ethanol is made from potato peels and other low-value trash and utilized as fuel. Various domestic animals, such as cows and pigs, can be fed raw or processed potatoes.
Future food production will provide significant issues for humanity due to the expanding global population, changing climate, and expanding worldwide trade. More people are becoming aware of the importance of preserving food security for current and future generations, especially in less developed nations. The potato is thought to have a significant impact on these policies, especially in the wake of price hikes for crucial cereal crops like wheat, rice, and maize.
A resolution to draw attention to the significance of the potato in ensuring food security and reducing poverty was approved by the UN General Assembly in 2005. The resolution acknowledged that the potato is a staple food in the diets of people all over the globe and highlighted the contribution that potatoes might make to the accomplishment of broadly shared development goals, such as the Millennium Development Goals.
Events
In 2008, a variety of activities were held all across the world to commemorate the International Year of the Potato. For agricultural academics, politicians, and policy makers, these occasions included exhibitions, conferences, seminars, and workshops. To inform children, students, farmers, and consumers about the importance of potatoes as a food source, numerous events were planned. Among them were:
- A photography competition.
- A "best potato recipes" competition in various languages.
- Culinary events.
- Cooking lessons.
- Exhibitions on the potato's history.
- Cooking competitions for chefs.
- Mash potato wrestling.
- A website for children.
Symbols
Two images make up the official International Year of the Potato logo: a bowl of cooked or harvested potatoes, and a golden tuber emerging from the ground. These components stand for the linkages between mankind and agriculture as well as between the soil or ground and the provision of food.
The company's catchphrase is "Hidden Treasure." These words draw attention to two crucial features of the potato. First of all, the plant's edible portion develops underground and stays there until it is picked. Second, the potato's significance as an economic food supply and a cornerstone of world food security is frequently disregarded.
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