Grow Your Own Potatoes has been recognised primary school growing projects, ranking alongside much larger-scale activities such as those run by Flora and Morrisons.

In a dedicated survey, the Potato Council's initiative was rated as one of the top three projects for five to 11 year olds. In fact, half of all primary school teachers said they were aware of the scheme, despite receiving significantly less funding than other similar projects.

Caroline Evans, head of marketing and corporate affairs for Potato Council said: “We’re absolutely delighted to hear that Grow Your Own Potatoes scored so highly in the research and is recognised alongside some of the larger branded schemes. While investment is crucial the project succeeds on quite a modest budget in comparison, yet the numbers taking part each year continue to steadily increase. The key to this has been its simplicity and of course, that it is a fun, educational project that the children can own.

“Education is a fundamental part of Potato Council marketing activity and Grow Your Own Potatoes is certainly doing a superb job in reconnecting children with their food, in turn educating the next generation of consumers. Recruitment is now underway for the 2011 project ) and we hope to increase the number of schools taking part for the sixth consecutive year and expand the project across the curriculum.”

Industry has a key role to play and the project can help foster relationships between growers, processors and schools in their region, according to the Potato Council.

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