Scots potato growers are being urged to take part in a special VE Day 70th anniversary campaign.
The Potato Council plans to launch a campaign for VE Day celebrations urging people to eat more potatoes, just as the Ministry of Agriculture and Food did during the war. During the war the government launched a Dig for Victory campaign encouraging people to grow and eat more potatoes and vegetables to maintain their health.
According to the Potato Council, this advice remains relevant today as wartime diets were among the healthiest the British population ever ate. “Potatoes are just as relevant now as they have always been. However, customers have more choice than ever today and it is important to show them why potatoes remain a key part of their diet,” said the levy body’s marketing manager, Kate Cox.
“We’ve given five wartime potato-based recipes a modern makeover. These will not only show their versatility but also help re-connect consumers with potatoes; demonstrating they are just as tasty and nutritious today as they have always been. This is a great opportunity for the industry to celebrate the continued importance of the national crop as a nutrient-rich, tasty food. This can be done by sharing our recipes, as well as healthy facts from our website www.lovepotatoes.co.uk.”
The recipes, which include Woolton Pie, Scotch Hotpot and Potato Piglets, will be available from the end of April.
In recent months, the Potato Council has come under fire from growers for not doing enough to halter a decline in the consumption of fresh potatoes. Last week it revealed it was planning to launch a nationwide campaign later this year to tackle the issue.
Growers have been asked to select the campaign slogan, out of a potential five, by voting online at www.potato.org.uk/promotion/one-voice/vote.