The potato originated in South America yet the region has the world's lowest level of potato production, less than 16 million tonnes in 2007.
The potato remains a traditional crop for small farmers in the Andean region, where it is cultivated along with potato species unknown elsewhere.
In other countries - Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia - production of Solanum tuberosum by large scale commercial growers is increasing.
Agricultural Statistics South America
| Potato Yield in 2020 : | 196289.00 | 100 g/ha | Official figure | ℹ |
| Sweet Potato Production in 2020 : | 1411890.00 | t | Estimated value | ℹ |
| Sweet Potato Yield in 2020 : | 134869.00 | 100 g/ha | Estimated value | ℹ |
| Sweet Potato Area Harvested in 2020 : | 104686.00 | ha | Estimated value | ℹ |
| Potato Production in 2019 : | 18044900.00 | t | Official figure | ℹ |
| Potato Area Harvested in 2019 : | 921971.00 | ha | Official figure | ℹ |
| Potato Yield in 2019 : | 195720.00 | 100 g/ha | Official figure | ℹ |
Consumption Statistics South America
| Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) , Consumption (Crop Equivalent) in 2014: | 30.99 | kg/capita/year | ℹ | Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) |
| Sweet Potatoes , Consumption (Crop Equivalent) in 2014: | 2.29 | kg/capita/year | ℹ | Sweet Potatoes |
| Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) , Consumption (Crop Equivalent) in 2013: | 31.93 | kg/capita/year | ℹ | Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) |
| Sweet Potatoes , Consumption (Crop Equivalent) in 2013: | 2.18 | kg/capita/year | ℹ | Sweet Potatoes |
| Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) , Consumption (Crop Equivalent) in 2012: | 31.41 | kg/capita/year | ℹ | Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) |
| Sweet Potatoes , Consumption (Crop Equivalent) in 2012: | 2.20 | kg/capita/year | ℹ | Sweet Potatoes |
| Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) , Consumption (Crop Equivalent) in 2011: | 29.65 | kg/capita/year | ℹ | Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) |
