Testimonials
BILL GRAHAM, HEAD OF EDUCATION, FACE
“There is no doubt that Grow Your Own Potatoes is a flagship project that is really making a difference. The key to its success is that it is just so easy to take part and the project can be incorporated into the curriculum in a wide variety of ways. I look forward to the time when all schools will be taking part in this scheme.”
STEPHANIE VALENTINE, DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL, BRITISH NUTRITION FOUNDATION
“Linking together growing and cooking is a great way for children to learn more about where their food comes from as well as building their confidence and practical skills.”
TV COOK AND FOOD WRITER SOPHIE GRIGSON
“Teaching children to cook can be great fun for both parents and children. Everyone should know how to make simple dishes like a baked potato or Shepherd’s pie – appetising and economical, but easy to make. I would encourage all parents to find the time to help their children learn to cook.”
MRS MILLS, TEACHER AT BERRYMEDE JUNIOR SCHOOL, ACTON
“Children need basic life skills like cooking, and if they are not being taught these at home then it falls to us to teach them. Projects like Grow Your Own Potatoes can really help and above all, the pupils enjoy it.”
MRS WILSON, HEAD TEACHER AT LUMLEY INFANT AND NURSERY SCHOOL, GREAT LUMLEY, CO DURHAM
“The practical activities and in particular, the visit from the grower made the event fun as well as educational. It also ties in with many of our other projects focused on growing, the environment and healthy eating.”
KAREN DHANECHA, HEAD OF PARK WAY PRIMARY SCHOOL, MAIDSTONE
“The children had great fun growing and harvesting their potatoes and they learnt so much too. For children, nothing beats being able to see things for themselves and this is an excellent educational activity that really brings ‘how things grow’ to life.”
SERLBY PARK TEACHER PAUL FARMAN, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
“The look on the children’s faces was one of the greatest moments of my teaching career. All children should experience this.”
RECEPTION CLASS PUPIL, CLATFORD CEA PRIMARY SCHOOL IN ANDOVER
“Learning about potatoes is fun!”
PETER SEABROOK MBE, VMH, AHRHS. GARDENING EDITOR, THE SUN
"Youngsters love growing potatoes and there is great excitement come harvest time to see what tips out of the pots. Seeing is believing and growers should try at least once to visit a school in their area to experience how worthwhile the Potato Council scheme has proved to be. We thank all those concerned for their continuing support and confirm our papers commitment to back British grown crops.”
CHRIS COLLINS, BLUE PETER GARDENER
“The Grow Your Own Potatoes project brings learning to life, teaching children about where potatoes come from. It’s fantastic to see so many schools taking part and hear that the children found it fun and educational.”
GROWER GRAHAM NICHOLS
“This is a really great project that I’m delighted to be a part of. The hands-on activity is the best way to filter information through to young children – and of course, it’s a fun learning experience. It’s particularly rewarding to see youngsters from schools in large towns and cities getting their hands mucky as they learn what’s involved in planting and growing their own potatoes.
“It is important for the industry to get on board and help change the way children – and consumers in general – think about potatoes, after all it is our business we’re promoting!”
NDAS EDUCATION OFFICER, JO MILLAR
“Grow Your Own Potatoes is the perfect vehicle to bring children and agriculture together.”
GROWER GEERT KNOTTENBELT, LUFFNESS MAINS
“At a time when concerns have been raised over the long term future of the potato industry, introducing children to potatoes is vital. The Grow Your Own Potatoes project is a great way of doing this and the feedback from pupils made it all worthwhile.”