Island children are planting seed potatoes tomorrow (Thursday 31st January) at the start of the annual Jersey Royal Potato Growing Competition. More than 80 classes in 17 schools are participating this year to see who can grow the greatest total weight of potatoes.
The competition is designed to support the science curriculum by showing children how things grow, where food comes from and the importance of a balanced healthy diet. It is sponsored by the Jersey Royal Potato Company and is supported by the Health Promotion Unit and Genuine Jersey.
Genuine Jersey’s Merchandising Co-ordinator, Catherine Vint is visiting schools this week to give each participating class two seed potatoes, a growing container and some compost and fertiliser. Last year, St Lawrence School won by growing potatoes with a total weight of 988 grams, and they are taking part again.
Catherine Vint said: “I’m so excited about this year’s competition and the fact that Jersey school children are going to be growing such a historically important Island crop. Last year’s inaugural competition was a great success – it will be interesting to see if any school beats St Lawrence.”
As part of the competition, the Jersey Royal Company is offering school visits to potato fields and to packing houses. The Art in the Frame Foundation will also be holding art classes for potato printing and sculpting.
The results of the four-month contest will be judged by a panel of agricultural experts and announced at the Foire de Jersey at the end of May.
The competition is designed to support the science curriculum by showing children how things grow, where food comes from and the importance of a balanced healthy diet. It is sponsored by the Jersey Royal Potato Company and is supported by the Health Promotion Unit and Genuine Jersey.
Genuine Jersey’s Merchandising Co-ordinator, Catherine Vint is visiting schools this week to give each participating class two seed potatoes, a growing container and some compost and fertiliser. Last year, St Lawrence School won by growing potatoes with a total weight of 988 grams, and they are taking part again.
Catherine Vint said: “I’m so excited about this year’s competition and the fact that Jersey school children are going to be growing such a historically important Island crop. Last year’s inaugural competition was a great success – it will be interesting to see if any school beats St Lawrence.”
As part of the competition, the Jersey Royal Company is offering school visits to potato fields and to packing houses. The Art in the Frame Foundation will also be holding art classes for potato printing and sculpting.
The results of the four-month contest will be judged by a panel of agricultural experts and announced at the Foire de Jersey at the end of May.
