The British Potato Council (BPC) has pledged its support for the UN-backed International Year of the Potato, which kicks off in January, and is aiming to highlight the opportunities it will offer the UK industry.
The 12-month project will focus on the potato as key to providing food security and alleviating poverty in developing nations.
The initiative will play a major role in the BPC’s marketing activity as it continues to promote the health and nutritional benefits of potatoes.
The Grow Your Own Potatoes project, intended to teach children where potatoes come from by enabling them to produce their own crops, is being rolled out to primary schools across the country, ready for its third year.
BPC marketing director Kathryn Race said: “Last year, 4,000 schools took part in Grow Your Own Potatoes, and this year we hope to reach some 250,000 children.
“The project is already supported by a wealth of educational resources for teachers, but to celebrate the International Year of the Potato we will also be making more worksheets available that link subjects such as geography and history, as well as encouraging awareness of the need for other nations to grow potatoes.”
The BPC will be acting as the UK press office for the International Year of the Potato and, as such, will be linking in with activities to encourage the public to eat more potatoes and raise the profile of the UK potato industry.
“We have been advised that the IYP logo can be used for promotional activity,” Race said. “In addition, the BPC’s promotional vehicle can be taken on tour to help raise awareness of the year directly with consumers and children, and there is further potential for dedicated stands at county and agricultural shows.
“We will also look to utilise and develop International Year of the Potato activities, such as the creation of international recipes and potato events.
“The International Year of the Potato will undoubtedly raise the profile of potatoes around the world. To ensure that the UK is recognised as one of the market leaders while maximising opportunities for British potatoes, it is important that the industry joins together in supporting this initiative.”
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