United Nations Announces 2008 “International Year of the Potato”
Thursday, October 18th, 2007
Denver, CO. (October 18, 2007) – The General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) declared 2008 to be the “International Year of the Potato” (IYP) during a press conference at the UN headquarters today. Citing the potato’s strong nutrition profile and ability to feed the masses, the designation was approved as a way to help meet its Millennium Development Goals.
According to the UN, world population is expected to grow, on average, by more than 100 million people per year in the next 20 years, and 95 percent of this increase will occur in developing countries where resources are scarce. The UN will not be able to provide food relief for all of these people and needs to teach people how to feed themselves. Potatoes can be grown quickly and cheaply. In fact, potatoes yield more nutritious food more quickly on less land and in harsher climates than any other major crop. Potatoes have provided food security and alleviated poverty worldwide for centuries.
“I’ve always been proud to be a part of an industry that grows a nutritious product,” said Larry Alsum, chairman of the U.S. Potato Board (USPB) and guest at the UN event, “but I’m particularly proud today to know the potato is also an international staple capable of solving world hunger issues.”
From China to Chile, the potato is a diet staple that is eaten at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Aside from tasting great and being easy to prepare, the potato is also highly nutritious. One medium sized (5.3 ounces) potato contains no fat, sodium or cholesterol, and has 110 calories. It provides 45 percent of the recommended Daily Value of vitamin C. In addition, potatoes with skins contain 18% of the DV of potassium (while broccoli and bananas each contain 13%), topping the list of the 20 most frequently consumed raw fruits and vegetables.
