Potatoes have been the centre of classroom activity as thousands of Earlies, grown as part of the Potato Council Grow Your Own Potatoes (GYOP) project, have been unearthed.
Nearly half a million pupils have had a hand in growing their own potatoes this year thanks to the scheme which aims to help the next generation develop positive, life-long potato-eating habits.
It began in earnest back in March when seed potatoes were planted by 14,500 participating schools and after three months, pupils and teachers alike were excited to discover what they had produced - helped by growers themselves.
Organised by the GYOP team and NDAS education officer Jan Murray the event saw each school harvest crops of between 1-2kg of each variety - a resounding success. The team of newly appointed ‘Potato Ambassadors’ have also been visiting schools in their regions to harvest crops and help change the way potatoes are perceived by the younger generation. From Portsmouth to Liverpool, schools have been thrilled to have real-life farmers in their midst.
Sue Lawton from Potato Council said: “The feedback from schools and growers participating this year has been fantastic. We know the project works because it is simple and good fun, and that means that the messages learnt by the children should endure - and they will continue to enjoy potatoes in the future.”
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