More than 10,000 visitors celebrate food and farming

14 July 2008

The three day event, celebrating 2008 as the Year of Food and Farming, was organised by the Cornwall Agri-Food Council and supported by Branston, as well as a number of other food and farming organisations. Despite the wet and windy weather the event was a great success, with hundreds of schoolchildren visiting on the Friday and substantially increased visitor numbers over the weekend.

Members of Branston's procurement, agronomy and marketing teams were joined by eight Cornish growers, who supply Tesco with some of Britain's earliest 'Earlies' and finest main crop potatoes, which are currently appearing in Tesco stores as part of the supermarket's campaign to promote local produce.

As well as educating visitors on the history of the potato and its origins in Peru, the Branston team used the Celebration of Food and Farmers to highlight the nutritious and versatile nature of the vegetable, the importance of potatoes to the local Cornish economy and the different varieties available.

One variety - currently unnamed - received a great deal of attention as Branston challenged visitors to propose a fitting name for the new potato. The anonymous spud, which has been developed from a traditional Peruvian potato species is currently referred to as Variety Number 00.H.14 A3. Over 500 suggested names were entered into the competition, and the Branston team hopes to announce the winner soon.

Hugh Donovan, Branston' s South West Procurement Manager, said: "We always enjoy talking to consumers about potatoes and this was a great way to educate them about how versatile and nutritious they are. It was also good to be able to tell people about the important role farming plays in the South West and how our growers produce their Cornish varieties."

One grower who participated in the event was Andrew White of S&W potatoes. "A lot of people take potatoes and other food sources for granted and don't know the hard work that goes into producing them. This celebration was the ideal opportunity for us to talk to consumers about their food and raise awareness of the importance of supporting local lines and eating fresh fuit and vegetables. We had a great deal of interest, especially from children, and hope it will encourage them to grow up eating great Cornish produce."

The Eden Project's Agency Liaison Officer, Paul Holmes, commented: "We are delighted with Branston's input into this venture, and in the larger than usual attendance for a Saturday. We will be looking to run the Celebration of Food and Farmers again, building on this year's success and making it even bigger and better."