b'International Day, we realized that it was impossible to get the International Day of the Potato approved in six months (for the Irish Congress), Devaux adds.Following the collection of support letters, the decision was made for Peru to spearhead the efforts to secure approval for the day. Given Perus successful management of the International Year of Potato and their observance of National Potato Day on May 30 since 2005, it was determined that Peru would lead the proposal, suggesting May 30 as the designated date for the International Day of Potato.In July 2021, the FAO approved the proposal to declare May 30 as the International Day of the Potato. The final resolution to hold International Day of the Potato was adopted by consensus of the UN General Assembly in December 2023 with the first day to be held in 2024.There are around 40 countries supporting the initiative, Devaux says. That was required by the United Nations too. It was not enough to have Peru submitting it, they had to have the support of several countries. Its a process that took almost two years and we were hoping to get it approved in six months. Jaap Delleman, a communications committee member with the World Potato Congress.With the day officially approved, the promotion planning stage has begun. The WPC team has met with the FAO teamUN had only designated years in celebrationmaking within your communities. The who will be developing a logo, website andof different food crops.more the sectors - seed, table, processing social media to promote the InternationalThe hope is that through the internationaland all the producer owned and corporate Day of Potato. The FAO will be holding aday in the years to come the profile oforganizations- draw attention to it, the more celebration in Rome, Italy on May 30 topotatoes will be raised with consumersrecognition the special day will get. commemorate the inaugural Internationalthrough collaboration at all levels from Day of Potato. Numerous countries are alsocompanies to governments to potato working on plans to celebrate the day.growers. For potato growers, theyre urged Peru, as the leadership will also haveto use the day to promote potatoes and the to assume a key role. What the Worldhealth benefits of them.Potato Congress will do will be to promoteJaap Delleman, editor in chief of Potato information and also promote interactionWorld Magazine and communicationsThe FAO and WPC encourages all levels to use the among the partners who are going tocommittee member with WPC, says in aGet Involved Guide, visual identity and tag line celebrate and to share knowledge aboutZoom interview: provided by the FAO to celebrate the potato in knowledge about it, Devaux explains.The day is a unique opportunity totheir region of the globe and share your campaign This is also the first UN international dayshow how proud you are of your product,#InternationalDayofPotato.in celebration of a food crop. Previously theits health benefits and the impact you arewww.fao.org/international-potato-day/en38SPUDSMART.COMSpring 2024'