International Potato Day will be celebrated for the first time on May 30th, by a resolution of the UN General Assembly on December 8th, 2023.
As a representative of the entire potato value chain – from breeding, planting material production and propagation to primary production and packaging trade to upstream and downstream areas, the Union of the German Potato Industry (UNIKA) top management used this opportunity to celebrate the versatility and importance of the potato as one of the world’s most important staple foods.
“The German potato industry offers work for 110,000 people in 27,600 companies. With a potato cultivation area of 264,700 hectares, which is roughly the size of Saarland, Germany is the largest potato producer in the EU,” Dr. Sebastean Schwarz, Managing Director of the Union of the German Potato Industry (UNIKA), recently declared.
Why are potatoes so important?
Nutritional richness: Potatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are essential for a balanced diet. They provide a wealth of nutrients including vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, and iron.
Versatility: The potato is extremely versatile in the kitchen. It can be baked, boiled, grilled, fried, steamed, or made into various dishes. The potato represents high health value and product safety. Potatoes are also a valued industrial raw material. For example, potato starch, protein, and fiber are particularly suitable for food products and animal food, but they also have a wide range of uses in the non-food sector, such as for the production of paper and cardboard.
Hardiness and Adaptability: The potato is an extremely hardy plant that can thrive in a wide range of climates. It is an important staple food in many parts of the world and plays a crucial role in food security and fighting hunger.
Sustainability: Potatoes require a significantly smaller amount of resources such as water and land compared to other staple foods. They are a resource-efficient option for a sustainable diet and help reduce the ecological footprint. Thanks to the know-how and variety of varieties, the potato industry is also able to meet the diverse requirements of customers.
Further information about International Potato Day can be found at https://www.fao.org/international-potato-day.
