UFU Watch
The Northern Ireland Potato festival kicks off next weekend on the 4th, 5th, and 6th October with fun for the whole family. The festival celebrates all things potato and aims to bring attention to this humble vegetable.
Ulster Farmers’ Union Deputy President Barclay Bell said; “Northern Ireland has a long history with the potato and there are many things to celebrate. The inspiration for the event comes from the story of John Clarke, a modest farmer from Ballintoy who gained international recognition as a successful potato breeder and was often described as a ‘wizard with potatoes’. Saturday’s events are actually taking place on John Clark’s former farm, which is now owned by the National Trust.”
The festival offers something for everyone. Highlights include: farm and processor/packer visits; cookery demonstrations; country market; talks and exhibitions; farm machinery; music and dance; food stalls; arts and crafts; and children’s attractions.
Barclay continued; “On the Saturday the David Langford collection of heritage potatoes will be on display and on the Sunday we are delighted to welcome Lorcan Bourke from Bord Bia for a presentation entitled ‘Putting potatoes back on the table’. Both of these promise to be very informative and will give attendees a great insight into the historical and current potato issues.
“Overall, the Northern Ireland Potato Festival is shaping up to be a great event and I would encourage everyone to get out to it. The local potato industry is a vital part of our agri-food industry and all of our growers, breeders, and processors/packers deserve to be recognised and celebrated for their efforts.”
The Festival organising committee, which comprises of Maurice McHenry, committee chair and author of ‘John Clarke – A Potato Wizard; UFU; AFBI; DARD; CAFRE; and a number of potato growers and processors, would like to thank Moyle Council and the National Trust for their support along with all the other event sponsors.
For more information about the event see the programme or visit the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/nipotatofestival. Please note, booking is essential for the farm and processor/packing visits. To book a place contact 02821771396
