In 2023, the United Nations General Assembly designated May 30th as the International Day of Potato to raise awareness of the multiple nutritional, economic, environmental and cultural values of the potato as a crop regularly consumed by billions of people globally.
The potato is a gift from the Andean region to the world, as it is one of the five main food crops consumed, contributing greatly to food security. The potato is native to the Peruvian-Bolivian Andes. It was grown by the Incas as early as 1,800 years ago. Colonization of South America by Spain in the 16th century resulted in this crop being introduced to Europe.
Small-scale and family farming of the potato, particularly by subsistence farmers, including women, supports efforts to reduce hunger, malnutrition and poverty the world over.
More on potatoes at Small Farm Canada:
It’s All About the Potatoes by Jeff Carter Nov-Dec 2023
Farming as Protest: The Cariboo Potato by Matt Jones May-June 2024
For more information, connections and cool tools that you can use on your farm, market garden, homestead or property, subscribe here and get Small Farm Canada delivered straight to your door!