
Branston is once again encouraging schools to sign up for the Grow Your Own Potatoes programme this year, as one of the sponsors of the primary school-based farm to fork initiative.
Designed to educate children about where their food comes from, how to grow potatoes, and how they form part of a healthy, balanced diet, this year’s theme is Growing for a Greener Future. Alongside two varieties of seed potatoes, each free kit will also include a packet of wildflower seeds to emphasise the importance of biodiversity and supporting pollinators, further enriching the children’s learning experience.
The project has seen more than six million children take part to date, and the deadline for teachers to register their school is Friday 31 January, with kits expected to arrive mid-February. Once they have received the resources children will begin chitting their seeds before planting them in March. Over the 14 weeks of growth, children will observe, care for, and learn about the potato-growing process before harvesting their crops in June, gaining valuable insights into food production and sustainability along the way.
Lucia Washbrook, sales & marketing director at Branston, said: “We’re sponsoring Grow Your Own Potatoes once again this year as it’s a brilliant initiative that provides vital education for children. It’s important to learn about growing produce and the benefits of a balanced diet from a young age, so for children to gain this hands-on experience is a fantastic foundation for them to build on.