The humble spud has made it into cyberspace at last with its own website to mark the UN's International Year of the Potato.
A special committee has been set up to raise awareness of the global importance of the potato and of agriculture in general.
Ireland will mark the occasion with a number of events that are being co-ordinated by a committee drawn from the Department of Agriculture, Bord Bia, the Irish Potato Federation, Teagasc, the Irish Farmers' Association, Agri-Aware and Safefood. Over €300,000 will be invested in the programme.
"Meet the Spuds" is one of the largest of the events, in which almost 4,000 primary schools will be given potatoes and compost and urged to grow them in an effort to encourage an interest in cultivating food.
The schools will receive a wall chart and information on potatoes. Prizes will be awarded to a number of schools.
The National Potato Conference will take place on February 14th, at the Greenisle Hotel, Naas Road, Dublin, and will include an open forum on the industry.
In addition, a series of radio competitions will take place throughout the year to highlight the versatility and nutritional benefits of the humble potato.
The major agricultural events of the year - the Tullamore Show, Bloom 2008 and the National Ploughing Championships - will host a number of events and exhibitions to highlight the range and diversity of potatoes.
A number of exhibitions and cookery competitions will also be held throughout the country.
The new website, www.internationalyearofthepotato.ie, has also been designed with background information, potato facts and recipes.
The National Famine Museum in Johnstown Castle will host an exhibition on the potato in July.