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Celebrating a successful Year for GYOP
Reflecting on a Remarkable Year for GYOP
As we look back on the past year, we are excited to share that Grow Your Own Potatoes (GYOP) is making a remarkable comeback. With an increasing number of schools joining our programme, we are steadily rebuilding our participation to levels not seen since before the industry’s changes.
This year, we proudly won a prestigious industry award and welcomed schools from across Northern Ireland, expanding GYOP’s reach throughout the UK. We also celebrated D Day, fostering a deeper understanding of agriculture and the significant role potatoes played during WWII.
Together, we’ve ignited a love for gardening and raised awareness about where our food comes from, inspiring healthier choices for the future. Join us as we celebrate this year’s achievements and eagerly anticipate even more growth in 2025!
My Highlights from 2024
Reflecting on 2024, I’m thrilled to share five standout moments that truly capture the essence of what makes the Grow Your Own Potatoes (GYOP) project so special:
1. Increased Industry Participation
This year, GYOP experienced a significant boost in industry sponsorship, with 16 companies from the potato sector stepping up to support the programme. This enhanced backing provided essential financial resources and underscored the growing importance of GYOP within the agricultural community. The involvement of these companies demonstrated a collective commitment to promoting agricultural education and building strong ties with schools and communities.
2. Revamped NEW website launch
We reached a major milestone with the launch of our new website. The updated platform features improved functionality and user-friendly navigation, making it easier for schools, teachers, and participants to access resources and programme updates.
Additionally, the new GYOP shop simplifies the purchasing process for essential items like growing bags and materials, reflecting our dedication to enhancing the digital experience for everyone involved.
3. Pilot Programme In Northern Ireland
Despite logistical challenges and Brexit-related hurdles, GYOP successfully launched a pilot programme in Northern Ireland in 2024. This initiative, made possible through a valuable connection at BP23 and a partnership with McCreight’s Potatoes, allowed us to reach 109 schools across every county in Northern Ireland. This pilot represents a significant step in expanding GYOP’s outreach, fostering greater participation and awareness of agricultural education beyond our traditional boundaries.
4. Kit Distribution
In 2024, GYOP distributed 7,600 growing kits to primary schools in England, Scotland & Wales, along with an additional 109 kits to schools Northern Ireland.
As a result, we provided hands-on learning experiences for approximately 240,000 children, not only highlighting the importance of agriculture but also promoting where potatoes come from, how they grow and their role in a healthy balanced diet. Advancing our mission to educate about agriculture UK-wide!
5. Attendance at BP2023 and Award Recognition
Our participation in BP2023 was a resounding success. Not only did we forge connections with key stakeholders, but we also won the prestigious Potato Industry Award for Best Marketing Campaign.
This accolade affirmed the effectiveness and innovation of our promotional efforts, encouraging even greater participation in agricultural education. Winning this award reinforced GYOP’s commitment to excellence and its positive impact on schools and the broader potato industry.
These highlights showcase for me the incredible progress we’ve made this year, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for GYOP!
2025 Has a a Lot to Live up to
As we look ahead to 2025, the excitement is palpable! Planning for the upcoming Grow Your Own Potatoes (GYOP) initiative is already in full swing, and we’re thrilled to see registrations from schools already coming in at an impressive rate.
The theme for GYOP 2025 is: “Growing for a Greener Future.”
This theme reflects our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Each growing kit will come with a delightful surprise that’s designed to engage and educate children about the vital connection between food production and the ecosystems that support it. By incorporating this element, we aim to deepen their understanding of the environment and the importance of sustainable practices in agriculture.
We believe that this addition will not only make the learning experience more interactive and enjoyable but also instil a sense of responsibility in our young gardeners. By understanding how their actions impact the planet, we hope to empower the next generation to make healthier, more sustainable choices.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
Sign up now to secure your kit, which will be delivered in February 2025. Together, let’s cultivate a brighter and greener future through the joy of gardening!
Achieving great things together
Working collectively as an industry, we can achieve even greater results, fostering a deeper understanding of agriculture and healthy eating among the next generation.
We hope you can see the benefit of being involved and sponsoring GYOP, for your company, the industry and the children involved.
If you would like more details, please get in touch.
This is an ideal opportunity to support the potato industry by keeping potatoes front and centre while educating the next generation about their importance.
