Following a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly on 8 December 2023, International Potato Day will be celebrated for the first time on 30 May. As representatives of the entire potato value chain – from breeding, seed production and propagation to primary production, the packaging trade and the upstream and downstream sectors – the Federation of the German Potato Industry (UNIKA) and the German Potato Trade Association (DKHV) are using the occasion to celebrate the versatility and importance of the potato as one of the world’s most important staple foods.
A culinary phenomenon
UNIKA and DKHV continue by saying that the potato is a culinary phenomenon. It has had an impressive journey since it was introduced into royal gardens as an exotic plant from the Andes centuries ago, and has continued to inspire artists over the years.
This is a famous quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. “Make them whole in the morning, mash them at noon, slice them at night and leave them alone. They’re healthy,” she says, highlighting the versatility of potatoes and their importance as a healthy, nutritious food. doing. It is now the cornerstone of world nutrition and feeds billions of people around the world.
Dr. Sebastian Schwarz, Managing Director of UNIKA and DKHV, emphasizes the importance of potatoes for Germany. “Germany’s potato industry employs 110,000 people in 27,600 companies.The potato growing area is 264,700 hectares, approximately the same size as Saarland, making Germany the largest potato producer in the EU.” Country of origin.
Why are potatoes so important?
Nutrient richness: Potatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are essential for a balanced diet. It is rich in nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, and iron.
Versatility: Potatoes are extremely versatile in the kitchen. They can be baked, boiled, grilled, fried, steamed or processed into a variety of dishes. They have a high nutritional value and a high product safety rating. They are also a valuable industrial raw material. Their starch, protein and fibre make them particularly suitable for food and animal feed, but they also have versatile uses in non-food areas, such as in the production of paper and cardboard.
Resilience and adaptability: The potato is an extremely resilient plant that can grow in a wide variety of climates. It is an important staple food in many parts of the world and plays a key role in food security and eradicating hunger.
sustainability: Potatoes require fewer resources such as water and land than other staple foods. It is a resource-efficient option as a sustainable source of nutrition and also helps reduce environmental impact. Expertise and variety of varieties allow the potato industry to meet the diverse demands of its customers.
For more information about International Potato Day, see FAO International Potato Day.
sauce: UNIKA/DKHV press release
