Neil Parish MP shows support for the humble spud as part of Potato Week 2013

Devon is firmly on the map, after Neil Parish MP showed his support for the humble spud by potato printing onto a UK map to demonstrate his commitment to the UK Potato Industry. The event on Wednesday 9th October in Parliament organised by the Potato Council was part of celebrations to mark this year’s Potato Week (7-13 October). 

Neil Parish MP, who is also a member of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee, was quizzed at the event to test his knowledge of the health, economic and environmental benefits of potatoes before given hints and tips on how to achieve the best cooking results with potatoes.  Neil was then treated to sticky orange potato cake – a recipe developed specially for Potato Week.

As well as being naturally fat free, on average potatoes currently make significant contributions to the nation’s daily intake of many key nutrients.  Most people associate vitamin C with oranges and other citrus fruits but on average 14% of the UK’s vitamin C intake is in fact from potatoes.

This year Potato Week is all about Maris Piper potatoes, a great traditional British staple that produces excellent cooking and eating quality every time. A favourite English potato grown since the 60’s, Maris Piper has a fluffy texture and is one of the best known and most popular varieties on sale today as it’s a great all-rounder. More Maris Piper potatoes are grown than any other variety in Great Britain.  Maris Pipers are readily available in supermarkets and greengrocers.

Neil Parish, commentating after the event, said: “Potato farmers make a huge contribution to our economy and rural communities. The UK is the 12th largest potato producer in the world and last year the industry delivered sales worth £5.7 billon at consumer level. It is also a highly nutritional and healthy addition to meal times. However, the cold snap this year left farmers struggling and delayed much of the potato harvest. It is for these reasons that I am proud to support Potato Week 2013.”