Theoretical question... if all the potatoes in the world disappeared
tomorrow, other than no more "freedom fries," would there be a
catastrophic effect (other than economical or would society quickly
adapt with minimal starvation? I have to settle a bet - my friend
thinks we would all die...

Dear AC27z, 

There are several aspects to your question: 
- Economical 
- Environmental
- Nutritional

It is all speculations, but let me try to address these issues. 

A large part of the world's agriculture relies on potatoes. However,
its nutritional role could be easily substituted by other
carbohydrates: rice, maize/corn, sweet potatoes (which are not
potatoes, botanically), legumes, cereals, etc.

In fact, potatoes are only "fourth most important food crop in the
world, with annual production approaching 300 million tons.", with
wheat, rice and maize before it, and  barley, cassava and sweet potato
following (SOURCE: "About potato",
<http://www.cipotato.org/potato/potato.htm>). In other words, no
disrespect to the potato, it is not the main food crop in the world,
and is not the centre of the diet for many around the world.

Before the Europeans imported potatoes from America, they (of course)
did not use it, and their diet was still based on sources of
carbohydrates. Within a couple of centuries, the potato was adapted in
European kitchen, to the level that it consists today a major part of
European diet.
(See: "Potato conquers the world",
<http://www.cipotato.org/potato/History/history.htm>).

As a great population of the world did (or does) well without it, it
might take some painful adjustment, but people would move on to rice
and other substitutes.

On the economic importance of potatoes: 
CIP Potato Facts
<http://www.china-potato.com/potacenter/cip%20potato%20facts.htm>

I hope this answered your question. Please contact me if you need any
clarification on this answer before you rate it.

Very helpful thanks! Very timely answer as well

The side effects (world war 3 perhaps) of all potatoes disappearing
might result in the death of everyone, but much less than 1% of the
humans would die directly from lack of potatoes IMHO. Perhaps a
researcher can find support for what seems logical to you and me.  
Neil

A lot of people will have a difficult time but some will not miss it as much.

"Rice is the staple food of more than one-half of the world's population"

Maybe some will adjust and move on to rice as a substitute for potatoes.

"Fun Facts / Food"
http://www.bitoffun.com/fun_facts%20food.htm

Hello ac27z-ga,

You can review the figures below to see that potatoes are not a
significant food in a huge proportion of the world. I?ve included some
other sites to help you continue your explorations so you can prove
your point to your friend.

Good luck.

~ czh ~

http://www.cipotato.org/market/potatofacts/potatofacts.htm
CIP Potato Facts
A compendium of key figures and analysis for 32 important
potato-producing countries  --  Production, Use, Consumption and Trade

http://www.spudman.com/pages/about.html
Serious, market-oriented business people produce the nation's $3
billion potato crop. And SPUDMAN is their business magazine.

http://www.potatonews.com/
Your online source for potato information

http://www.smartpotatoes.com/splash.html
The killer potatoes

I, for one, would most certainly not die.....but I sure would miss em.