The United Nations (UN) has declared 2008 as the International Year of the Potato. This major event will present many opportunities to raise the profile of potato among civil society as an important world food staple.

The potato is the fourth most important food crop in the world, with great potential as a food source for future generations. The Year also provides an invaluable opportunity to raise the profile of the potato in working to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The UN Resolution affirms the need to focus world attention on the role that the potato can play in providing food security and eradicating poverty in support of achieving internationally agreed development goals.

CIP, representing the CG system, will be collaborating closely with FAO to plan, develop and implement the UN’s activities to mark the Year. The Center will also be taking the lead in coordinating and implementing CGIAR activities, taking advantage of other centers’ experience of previous Years.

The Government of Peru was responsible for nominating 2008 to the UN as the International Year of the Potato, so CIP will be working with its host Government in developing national activities. CIP will also be working closely with its collaborating institutions and donors to highlight the importance of the contribution that the potato can make to poverty alleviation, food security and human health.

In addition, the Center will work to intensify the research base on potato, its genetic resources, breeding, pests and diseases, to increase productivity on a continuing basis.

CIP has established a preliminary web page

 (http://www.cipotato.org/pressroom/iyp.asp) that will develop into a primary resource as the agenda develops.

For further information, contact: