A PRIMARY school-based initiative aimed at teaching children about potato growing and supply has been hailed as an invaluable project.
Potato supplier Branston, which is again sponsoring the annual ‘Grow Your Own Potatoes’ initiative, urged everyone in the potato industry to offer its support to the project, whose theme this year is Growing For A Greener Future.
Designed to educate children about where their food comes from, how to grow potatoes, and how they form part of a healthy, balanced diet, the project has seen more than six million children take part to date.
Kits have been provided to participating schools containing two varieties of seed potatoes as well as a packet of wildflower seeds to emphasise the importance of biodiversity and supporting pollinators and children began chitting their seeds before planting them this month.
Over the 14 weeks of growth, children will observe, care for, and learn about the potato-growing process before harvesting their crops in June, gaining valuable insights into food production and sustainability along the way.
Branston’s Sales and Marketing Manager Lucia Washbrook said: “It’s a brilliant initiative that provides vital education for children. It’s important to learn about growing produce and the benefits of a balanced diet from a young age, so for children to gain this hands-on experience is a fantastic foundation for them to build on.”
She said she and her colleagues were looking forward to seeing the harvested potatoes later in the year.
“Grow Your Own Potatoes is a wonderful programme,” she said, adding: “The skills children can learn from taking part in the growing process are invaluable.”
Once harvested, participating schools are also encouraged to take part in a nationwide competition that will see them submit the weight of the potatoes they have grown, as well as photos to celebrate their achievements.
Project Manager at Grow Your Own Potatoes, Sue Lawton, said: “This free project is a fantastic way to inspire children to learn where their food comes from, explore healthy eating, and develop essential life skills through fun, hands-on learning, as well as support local agriculture and promote environmental stewardship. We’re very grateful for Branston’s continued support.”
Find out more about GYOP and how to get involved.
