Speaking after the event, Dr Whiteford said that the potato remains a crucial staple crop not only for the North-east, but for the country as a whole.
She said:
“It was a pleasure to meet with industry representatives, and to give my support to this initiative which highlights just how important the potato crop remains. Potatoes constitute a tasty and nutritious dietary supplement, low in fat and surprisingly rich in vitamin C.
“Every year, Scotland sells thousands of tonnes of potatoes abroad, constituting a significant national export. The Scottish Government recognises the importance of this crop, and in August announced that it would contribute £627,000 to research into improving yields and reducing production costs.
“As a vegetable which is adaptable to a variety of soil types and climates, potato cultivation continues to constitute a major element of Banff & Buchan’s agricultural output, and I am pleased to join in promoting Potato Week.”
“Every year, Scotland sells thousands of tonnes of potatoes abroad, constituting a significant national export. The Scottish Government recognises the importance of this crop, and in August announced that it would contribute £627,000 to research into improving yields and reducing production costs.
“As a vegetable which is adaptable to a variety of soil types and climates, potato cultivation continues to constitute a major element of Banff & Buchan’s agricultural output, and I am pleased to join in promoting Potato Week.”
Potato Week runs between October 7 and 13, with consumers encouraged to be adventurous with their potatoes. Potato Council is a division of the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board, and is committed to supporting the potato industry. For recipes, potato facts and more visit www.lovepotatoes.co.uk