Global distribution of the potato crop

The global distribution of potato area is described using country-level statistics and a new geo-referenced database. There are two main peaks in global potato distribution by latitude. The major peak is between 45degreesN and 57degreesN and represents potato production zones in the temperate climates where potato is a summer crop. The other peak is between 23degreesN and 34degreesN, and mainly represents production zones In the subtropical lowlands, where potato is a winter crop. Between 1950 and 1998 potato production area increased at low latitudes and decreased at high latitudes, particularly around 53degreesN (this zone includes parts of Belarus, Germany, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine). The northern limit of potato production coincides with the boundaries of agriculture and the presence of human population. The peak between 23degreesN and 34degreesN coincides with the area of highest population density (per area of land and per area of arable land). About 25% of the global potato area is in the highlands (above 1000 m).