The Peruvian Government declared 30 May as the National Day of the Potato. This decision was announced in Lima through a “Resolución Suprema” signed by the President of the Republic and the Minister of Agriculture.

“This is an important development that will help to promote and disseminate better the exceptional attributes of this noble tuber” said Hubert Zandstra, then Director-General of the International Potato Center. Dr. Pamela Anderson has since succeded Dr. Zandstra.

“The potato is currently the fourth most important food crop in the world, with an annual production close to 300 million tonnes. Almost half of the global production comes from the developing countries while 40 years ago that percentage was only 11 percent. It is without doubt that Peru has bequeathed to the world one of the most important and indispensable foods in the diet of many cultures”, he added.

The introductory text of the law emphasizes potato‘s leading role as nutritional food since ancient times, not only in Peru, but all over the world: “The potato crop is crucial in the history, development, culture and cuisine of Peru, especially for Andean people; its genetic wealth has contributed to global food security.” The law states “that it is necessary to promote and revalue [the potato‘s] cultural diversity and the ancient technologies related to the crop, and to enhance its consumption.”

For more information visit www.cipotato.org