16th March 2008, 11am -5pm
The 10th annual potato day held at The Organic Centre, Rossinver, Co. Leitrim on Sunday 16th of March, which kicks off the season at the centre, will have an international dimension this year with 2008 being the International Year of the Potato.
Potato collector Dave Langford, a member of the UN ad-hoc steering committee for the international year of the potato, will display more then 100 varieties of potatoes, from the common ones to the obscure. Gardeners from the centre will give growing tips and advice on blight control and conduct a planting session using the lazy bed method (coping). The Grass Roof Café will offer potato dishes and the Eco-Shop will sell a selection of organic seed potatoes.
Trevor Sargent from the Green Party and Minister for Food and Horticulture will address visitors on the day. He has just launched the ‘Meet the Spuds!’ Potato Growing Challenge for Primary Schools.Pupils are being challenged to sow the seed potatoes in February and harvest their crop in June. Speaking at the launch Mr. Sargent said, “It is vital for food security in Ireland and worldwide that more people become involved in growing their own food. The skills to grow potatoes and other nutritional food are an important part of a rounded education. I also hope more young people will think about agriculture as a career as more schools grow more food.”
The Potato Day will raise awareness of the importance of the potato and also presents the perfect opportunity to unearth the good things about the humble spud that we might have forgotten.Potatoes are rich in carbohydrates and also contain some protein, little or no fat, are a good source of potassium and contribute a significant amount of vitamin C.
In a world increasingly concerned with carbon footprints and the effects of global warming it is important to re-discover the potato, which can produce nutritious food, on less land, than any other major crop. So let’s get back to our roots and grow them or buy locally.
For more information on Potato Day and a full programme call 071-9854338, e-mail: info@theorganiccentre.ie, website: www.theorganiccentre.ie
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