Here is an interesting story of how growing potatoes got started in Europe.  The author does not mention the French had so little desire for the potato some of them literally starved first.  Also, I disagree with his conclusions though.

How the potato got hot

The foodstuff was once viewed as unnatural and dangerous. Its rise to a global staple may tell us something about today's genetically modified crops.
By Tom Standage
July 7, 2009

A tale from history offers us a prediction about the future of food.

It is funny how things seem to come together just when they should.  Chinese Taoists are not the only ones who believe things just happen for a reason.  Christians like to say “The Lord works in mysterious ways.” for good reason.  I am meeting more and more people who are worried about the state of things.  Usually I do not have to start the conversation, just listen.  Lately, I am also noticing even bloggers I would not thought as Doom and Gloomers are writing about their concerns.