Grow Your Own Potatoes

Launched in 2005, Grow Your Own Potatoes (GYOP) was one of the first primary school based growing projects. Since then, it has become the largest of its kind with over 6 million children taking part in learning where potatoes come from, how they grow and the health benefits. The straightforward and hands-on nature of the GYOP project makes it perfect for young pupils. Schools that register to take part (before the end of January each year) receive a FREE growing kit containing two varieties of seed potato and easy to follow instructions. GYOP is open to all primary schools in England, Scotland and Wales. We had a pilot scheme in 2024 that we are hopeful will be extended across Northern Ireland in 2025. Sponsorship is required each year for this project to continue to be a success. We have many sponsors from across the Potato Industry, however sponsorship does not need to come from the Potato Industry as we have costs such as design, packing, distribution and prizes to cover each year. Why bother to become a GYOP Sponsor? Because if we don't nobody will and we need the next generation to eat potatoes! Research shows that younger consumers are becoming disconnected with where their food comes from and the field to fork process. Alongside this, parents are replacing potato dishes with rice and pasta, as they are perceived to be more convenient, resulting in children eating fewer potato dishes than generations before them. We need to make a difference to the way children view food at a young age and help shape eating habits that will stay with them as they grow. Influencing the diet and purchasing habits of the consumers of the future will result in higher or sustained demand for potatoes and potato products. Please consider sponsoring this incredible award-winning project. Remember: “experience of where their food starts out is a vital ingredient in the battle to excite and engage children about their diets” Dr Aric Sigman