Thousands of pupils across the South East and East of England will have the chance to understand more about where their food comes - thanks to help from fresh produce experts Fenmarc. Nearly 5,000 schools in the region are taking part in Potato Council’s Grow Your Own Potatoes project this year, and will be growing Rudolph potatoes supplied by Fenmarc.
More than one tonne of Rudolph seed has been distributed in Essex, Kent, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Surrey and Sussex. Pupils planted their Rudolph seed potatoes in March and will be harvesting their crop in June when Fenmarc will be visiting schools in the region to help with the harvest. The school in the region that grows the most Rudolph will receive a limited edition engraved bulldog spade and certificate.
Jo Giggs from Fenmarc said: “We believe it is important to educate children on how things grow and where their food comes from so we are delighted to again be supporting the Grow Your Own Potatoes project. Rudolph potatoes have the ability to grow quickly so are perfect for this scheme, and their red skin means they look great when grown too. This is the largest region taking part, covering a third of all schools participating, and we’re pleased to be able to help so many pupils.”
Providing the seed is just one way Fenmarc help educate local school pupils - others include visits to schools and involvement in food festivals. In May Fenmarc will be visiting Donington Cowley Endowed Primary School, in Spalding, with a presentation on the growing cycle of potatoes and a quiz amongst the planned activities. Fenmarc will also be at the Terrington School Fen Food and Farm Festival, King’s Lynn where they will help nearly 300 pupils understand the life cycle of their products – from field to fork –with vegetable sampling on the menu for the day.
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Rudolph, Fenmarc's exclusive potato variety
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