The production link places the producers’ organization in a central role for the development of the crop, given the predominance of smallholdings in potato production. The organization allows producers, in addition to generating economies of scale in the acquisition of goods and services, to manage an active and strategic intervention by the State to solve problems related to the provision of public goods (infrastructure and research) and regulation, as well as to promote the implementation of joint actions with the industry and the other actors in the chain.

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The potato is a food plant that comes from Pre-Inca and Inca cultures. In Peruvian territory, the largest number of known potato species in the world can be found.

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Currently in Peru, it is the staple food of the Andean region and is produced by more than 700,000 small agricultural units. The potato is a competitive crop compared to wheat and rice in the diet.

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The nutritional value of a 100 g potato is between 80 and 90 Kcal and 14% vitamin C, which represents half of the daily requirement of this nutrient for an adult person. It contains 78 g of moisture and 18.5 g of starch. It also contains 560 mg of potassium, 50 mg of phosphorus, 9 mg of calcium, 7 mg of sodium, 0.80 mg of iron, and 20.9 mg of magnesium. Its caloric value is equivalent to 85 Kcal. Its content of mineral salts and vitamins B1, B2, and B6 is remarkable.

Likewise, Peru leads potato production in Latin America, surpassing 21 countries. Only in 2024, the country reached a volume of 6.58 million tons, with a harvested area of 337,665 ha.

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The activities related to potato production and its more than 3,000 varieties that Peru offers to the world generated last year more than 26 million workdays and a gross production value of S/ 8,740 million. Worldwide, Peru ranked 16th as a potato producer.

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In addition, in our country, more than 711,000 families, mostly in high Andean areas, cultivate both modern and native varieties. 189% more antioxidants than other potatoes. The potato peel contains the antioxidant called alpha-lipoic acid, which has an antioxidant power 50 times greater than vitamin E.