Markets and challenges

Potato is the world’s fourth most important food crop behind wheat, rice and maize. Over the last three decades potato production has grown faster than any other food crop except wheat (FAO). Glennon (2000) states that, agriculturally, in the eyes of the developing countries, no other crop has more production potential, since yield potential is still largely under exploited. In developing countries potato is also seen as a candidate for resolving domestic production problems. More than one billion individuals (50% of these in developing countries) now eat potato and as little as 100 grams supplies 10% of the recommended daily calorie allowance for children. The same amount provides about 10% of essential vitamin intake (e.g. thiamine, niacin, folate) and 50% in the case of vitamin C. In 1998 global production was around 290 million tonnes with 30% of production in developing countries. In the European Union of 15 member states production totals 50 million tonnes (MT) and is dominated by Germany (11.3 MT), the United Kingdom (6.6 MT), France (6.5 MT) and the Netherlands (6.0 MT), whilst in consumption terms Ireland still has the highest intakeat 140 kg per capita (Table 9.1).

What are the most important subjects demanding global attention in potatoes? Collins (2000) indicates that in developed countries the most important include:

1. disease control strategies for late blight, bacterial wilt, ring rot, nematodes and threats to the availability of appropriate chemicals to control these pests and diseases;
2. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and related issues (acceptance and use of biotechnology, ownership of intellectual property, freedom-to-operate);
3. processing andmarketing;
4. seed tuber quality and health; and
5. genetic resources for future use.

Collins also points out that resources in public institutions in developed countries, which traditionally addressed these problems, are shrinking at an alarming rate. Solutions might include bilateral country collaborations on common priorities, new partnerships with the private sector, regional/global cooperation on more widespread issues. More than 40% of the world’s potatoes are grown in developing countries and this is expected to increase. Within both developing and developed countries there is also a trend towards a decline in fresh consumption and a continued rise in process utilisation.