International Year of the Potato relationship that exists between poverty, food security, malnutrition and the potential contribution of the potato to defeating hunger." This was one of many international observances declared for specific days, months and years. The year 2008 was shared with the International Year of Sanitation. It was hoped that International Year designation will do for the potato what the International Year of Rice (2004) did for that food staple, namely, inspire exhibits, educational programs, films, publications and greater public awareness of multi-national efforts on behalf of our food resources. The year 2008 was also designated the National Year of the Potato in
Women in agriculture in the United Kingdom Hall. In March 2016, the then Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss celebrated International Women's Day with women farmers. In Scotland, too, the government and the National Farmers Union Scotland are working to promote women in agriculture in the 21st century. In February 2018, the 110 year old National Farmers' Union of England and Wales elected the beef farmer Minette Batters as their first female president. Women in agriculture in the United Kingdom Women have historically played minor roles in agriculture in the United Kingdom, but the number of female farmers is rising rapidly in the 21st century. In 2008 there were