An industry with the size and diversity of the British potato sector should be prepared to back an awards scheme that recognises those who have made a significant contribution to its development, says Nick Vermont, McCain chief executive officer for Great Britain, Ireland, South Africa and Eastern Europe.
As the industry globally heads towards the second half of the International Year of the Potato, Mr Vermont feels the timing could not be more appropriate to raise its image on the home market through recognition of the Potato Council's British Potato Industry Award, introduced in 1997.
"The international programme was designed to raise the profile of the potato globally as an effective, efficient and nutritious source of food for the Third World. At a time of concern over food supplies and price inflation generally it also has implications for the Western World," he says.
“Britain’s potato industry is significant and it is appropriate it should recognise its leaders,” he says.
For nomination forms for the award please contact committee secretary Gloria Cox on +44 1865 714455 or e-mail:
bpindustryaward@potato.org.uk. Closing date for nominations is: July 31, 2008.