The United Nations has chosen 2008 as the International Year of the Potato. This world-wide celebration is aimed at raising awareness of the importance of the potato and of agriculture in general. Ireland will mark the occasion with a number of events throughout the year.
The programme of events will be coordinated by a committee including representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; Bord Bia; Irish Potato Federation; Teagasc; Irish Farmers Association; Agri Aware and Safefood. Over €300,000 will be invested in the programme.
The events, which aim to promote awareness of the nutritional and health benefits of potatoes, include a nationwide primary schools programme; The National Potato Conference; a number of exhibitions and cookery competitions. A website has also been designed with background information, potato facts and recipes - www.internationalyearofthepotato.ie
Irish households’ annual expenditure at retail level is estimated at €162 million, and with household penetration at 95%, there is little doubt that ‘The Potato is Ireland’s Favourite Vegetable’. (TNS 2005)