Benefits of Locally Grown Potatoes and Sustainability Challenges

Local Potato Sourcing to Reduce Food Miles and Boost Economy
PepsiCo is emphasizing the use of locally-grown potatoes to produce snacks, which effectively reduces the ‘food miles’ associated with transporting crops over long distances. This approach not only alleviates concerns for farmers about the durability of their crops during transit but also supports the local economy by creating more opportunities for communities and farmers.
However, potato farming remains resource-intensive and faces significant sustainability challenges, particularly in water and land use. The United Nations projects a substantial decline in water availability per person within the next two decades, while agriculture currently consumes a staggering 70% of freshwater resources. Additionally, agricultural production is responsible for around 80% of global deforestation, further complicating the sustainability of growing crops like potatoes.