Yes it is. Demographics is destiny, and food production was until recently the engine of demographic change. If you look at that map you'll see where there was more food production, and thus population growth. From the population growth in Northern Europe you'll a prime mover of the history of the 20th Century.
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The Diet doctors today tell us that potatoes are full of starch and are therefore bad for those who want to lose weight. However, considering all the nutrients that the tubers contain...I'll indulge without guilt next time I'm at Wendy's and want a potato with chives.