CFC 10998
Press Room / Press Releases
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One of the seven posters of the set entitled "Rediscovering Andean native potatoes."
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Lima – 30 May. As part of the celebrations for Peru’s 2008 National Potato Day, the Papas Andinas Initiative was launched today as a public-private partnership that aims to promote the consumption and marketing of native Peruvian potatoes with social responsibility at national, regional and international levels. The Initiative includes industry-leading companies such as PepsiCo Foods (Fritolay) and Wong, and has the support of the International Potato Center (CIP), the Ministry of Agriculture of Peru and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
Rescuing a hidden treasure
In recent years, urban consumers in Peru and other countries of the world have been rediscovering native potatoes, the forgotten treasure of the Andes. These potato varieties are the ancestors of all potatoes growing throughout the world today. There are thousands of varieties growing up to 3000 meters above sea level, with an amazing variety of colors, shapes, textures and flavors. They also have a tremendous culinary versatility and more nutritional content than other kinds of potatoes.
Promoting development and reducing poverty
The marketing of native potatoes represents a great opportunity and a source of income for high-Andean communities that have preserved them for centuries in the poorest areas of Peru. But native potatoes are also an integral part of Andean biodiversity and culture. If they are produced and sold by the different actors of the production chain using responsible and sustainable criteria, they offer a viable avenue to increasing development and reducing poverty by adding value to this commodity.
First advocacy campaign
The first step of the Initiative began immediately after its launching, with the presentation and distribution of a set of seven posters entitled "Rediscovering Andean native potatoes." The initiative already has its own website www.papasandinas.org.
The second step will be the creation of a certification seal, which will identify in the market those native potatoes that have been produced with real benefits for the small farmers. This "seal" is inspired by the concept of fair trade that is becoming increasingly popular in the markets of developed countries.
The roles of the groups involved
The Ministry of Agriculture (MINAG) of Peru, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the International Potato Center (CIP) are among the first entities to support this initiative. The INCOPA project (Innovation and Competitiveness for the Peruvian Potato) , supported by SDC and CIP, is strongly supporting the promotion of native potatoes as an engine of development, and promotes socially responsibility in the small farming private sector.
"Today, we can be proud of our work and contributions to Peru and the world", remarked Dr. Pamela K. Anderson, Director General of the CIP.
Open initiative
The Papas Andinas Initiative is open to institutions and individuals. The unique requirement is to share its vision of promoting the native potatoes, and the goodwill to contribute to its goals.
For additional information about the Initiative see the website: www.papasandinas.org
For download posters, go to:
http://www.papasandinas.org/afiches.html
