Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, spent the morning sizing up potatoes grown by pupils at Cherry Tree Primary School on Friday, as part of a nationwide initiative established by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board Potatoes.
The Grow Your Own Potatoes (GYOP) scheme is a project that teaches primary school children how potatoes grow and how they fit into a healthy, balanced diet.
The programme, supported by McCain Foods, includes a variety of activities, from planting to harvesting, with schools able to compete nationally and regionally for the heaviest crop and the largest potatoes grown.
Over two million primary school children having benefitted from this classroom experience since it started 10 years ago and the GYOP programme gives a hands-on approach to teaching children where their food comes from.
Corporate Affairs Manager for McCain, Andra Stan, said: ‘’As part of McCain Foods’ commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles, we’re delighted to be supporting the GYOP initiative that helps children to learn how their food is grown and the importance of a balanced diet.”
Commenting on the visit Gavin said: “I had a fantastic morning learning about the Grow Your Own Potatoes scheme and think it’s a brilliant idea to get more children to take an interest in food production and a balanced diet. The pupils seemed to have really enjoyed growing their own potatoes and I hope it encourages them to get out into the garden and grow some more.”