The 15th China International Potato Expo and the 3rd Weifang International Food and Agricultural Products Expo kicked off on Monday in Weifang, Shandong province, driving the high-quality potato industry for global food security.

In his opening address, Tao Huaiying, China's national chief veterinary officer of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, emphasized the potato industry's vital role in ensuring food security and increasing farmers' income. He noted that China, as one of the world's most diverse and extensive potato producers, cultivates varieties such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, and cassava.

Addressing both global food security challenges and opportunities in the potato sector, Tao called for enhanced international collaboration in key technological areas, including bio-breeding, smart agriculture, and green farming. He also urged deeper integration of the potato industry with sectors such as food processing, biotechnology, and tourism, supported by big data to optimize resource allocation and extend industrial chains.

"By strengthening industrial chains and technological innovation, Shandong has built a strong reputation in this sector," said Zhang Hongqi, director of the Shandong Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

"Shandong produces over 7 million metric tons of potatoes annually, ranking among the top in China, with an annual processing volume of approximately 5.5 million tons of potatoes and sweet potatoes," said Zhang.

"In Shandong, a single sweet potato can be developed into more than 40 products, creating added value at multiple stages," he said.

Potatoes are now feeding more than a billion people each day. The potato is now far more than a staple crop — it is a vital contributor to food security, livelihoods, and sustainability across the globe, said Carlos Aldeco, a Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations representative in China.

"The expo is more than just a showcase of potatoes, food and agricultural products — it is a platform for dialogue, innovation, and partnership at a time when the global agri-food system faces urgent and complex challenges from climate change, conflicts, economic shocks, and demographic transitions," he said.

The event draws participants from 26 countries and regions, including the Netherlands, Peru, Russia, South Korea, and Brazil, underscoring its significance as a global platform for agricultural exchange.