91�鶹����

Potatoes are a key crop across agrifood systems globally, ranging from smallholders producing diverse heirloom varieties by hand in the Andes, to vast commercial, mechanized farms in different continents. As the third most available food crop globally, potatoes contribute to the food security, livelihoods and employment of people in rural and urban areas the world over. On , we spotlight the potato, Solanum tuberosum (L.) – a crop regularly consumed by billions of people.

The Day is an opportunity to build on the , which was observed in 2008. 

In Cabo Verde, a Small Island Developing State, climate change has intensified the impact of droughts. Despite its name, Cabo Verde (“Green Cape”) faces a brutal dry season that turns it into shades of light brown. Farmers like Willy Gonçalves rely on desalinized water due to decreased precipitation. Willy, who took over from his neighbor Nena, manages a farm where he plants seedlings with love and determination. The increasing temperatures and water scarcity pose challenges, but Willy is coping with the help of training from the 

�󴡰�’s supports beekeepers and honey producers in Rwanda and Viet Nam. The project modernizes beekeeping, replacing conventional beehives with rectangular structures, boosting honey production and improving beekeepers’ earnings. As part of the initiative  champions environmentally sustainable practices aimed at reducing dependence on harmful chemicals and cultivating a harmonized ecosystem. Meanwhile, community awareness programmes encourage those living near apiaries to appreciate the importance of bees and pollination and dissuade people from exterminating them as harmful pests. 

Potatoes are an important component of strategies to provide accessible and nutritious food and improved livelihoods in rural and other areas where natural resources, especially arable land and water, are limited and inputs expensive. The crop's versatility and ability to grow in a variety of conditions make it an advantageous crop choice. In 2024, we celebrate the first International Day of Potato (30 May) by focusing on the contribution of the potato to the lives of producers and consumers with the theme: . #InternationalDayOfPotato.

On the small Caribbean Island of Dominica, there is a species of wild sea moss, or red algae, called Gracilaria that locals have traditionally farmed and used to make drinks, gels and other products. But this slow-growing variety has caused production and supply challenges for its farmers, leading to a reliance on imports of other varieties from neighboring islands to meet local demand. A solution to the problem came in the form of Eucheuma cottonii, a commercial sea moss species offered up as part of a Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations () project. Despite occasional difficulties, sea moss remains high on the country’s aquaculture agenda due to its high-income earning potential.

Tea has been with us for a long time. Tea production and processing constitutes a main source of livelihoods for millions of families in developing countries and is the main means of subsistence for millions of poor families, who live in a number of least developed countries. This year International Tea Day highlights women and their role in the tea sector. Join us to celebrate their involvement and contribution to the tea production!

's campaign is spearheading the adaptation and implementation of the Colombian coffee sector's safe and healthy working environment, to promote a supply chain with better, safer and healthier working conditions.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations () is helping farmers in southern Madagascar to prevent the impact of recurring droughts. In partnership with local organizations, they are strengthening community resilience in areas deeply affected by climate change. The key is to take action before the predicted impact of climate disasters. Madagascar is the world’s fourth most vulnerable country to climate change, and more than 2.3 million people need assistance to cope with the consequences of repeated droughts and recent cyclones. Despite this, current projects lack funding.

Students at Senkadagala School in Sri Lanka cultivate fruits and vegetables in their school garden to prepare meals. The garden also yields plants that are sold to promote an entrepreneurial mindset. The programme is part of the Entrepreneurial School Garden initiative implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations () to promote healthy eating habits and nutrition. The students learn about their ecosystem and use modern agricultural methods to control weed growth and insect infestation and maximize productivity.

San Juan Comalapa is an agriculturally based municipality located in the central highlands of Guatemala. The majority of the population consists of indigenous Mayan-Kaqchikel peoples who rely on farming for their livelihood. In these territories, youth frequently migrate to other countries due to the lack of employment and business opportunities. Young indigenous women are the most affected, having fewer possibilities to get well-remunerated jobs. To provide viable livelihoods and prevent outmigration, the Comalapan Producers Association (ASPROC) offers capacity-building and training activities for young farmers in the region.

The district of Kono in eastern Sierra Leone has been scarred by diamond mining, leading to a loss of topsoil, erosion, and conflict. However, a project by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations () is helping to reclaim the land for agriculture and generate employment opportunities for young people in the region. Through the initiative, young people are learning farming skills and using green techniques to rehabilitate the mined-out areas for organic horticulture and beekeeping.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations () promotes a  approach that values the interdependence of health between people, animals, plants and the environment. It calls on different sectors to work together to promote well-being and address threats to health and ecosystems. This approach also drives agrifood system transformation by addressing threats such as pests and diseases in animals, plants, and forests that reduce productivity, endanger biodiversity and threaten livelihoods. Some of the issues that FAO addresses by utilizing a One Health approach include , , zoonotic diseases, and.

The work of statisticians is crucial to address food insecurity and improve food productivity. Young African women are working to bridge the data gap in their countries and improve the agricultural landscape. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations () programme helps young statisticians to learn how statistical theory applies to real-life agricultural production and yield. FAO offers scholarships to applicants in African countries to pursue a one-year master's programme in Agricultural Statistics. The programme covers data collection and analysis, sustainable practices, and leveraging technology.

The , which began in 2023, is nearing its end. It has been an invaluable opportunity to spotlight the nutritional and health benefits of millets, as well as their adaptability to challenging growing conditions, including climate change and minimal inputs. Consequently, they offer an ideal solution for nations seeking to diminish dependence on imported grains. If you're intrigued by the diversity and culinary potential of millets,  with enticing recipes from various regions, cuisines and cooking skills. Join the organized by FAO.

Investing in women in agriculture is the surest path to prosperity and food security, empowering communities and fostering a sustainable future.