Food and farming minister Jim Paice educates children about potatoes

Paice will join local children from South Petherton Junior School in South Petherton, Somerset, as they see how potatoes grow and learn how to prepare a healthy potato dish. Potatoes are a great source of energy, fibre, vitamins C, B1 and B6 including folic acid and potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc. However a recent survey by the Potato Council revealed that one in ten adults didn't think that potatoes contained any vitamins or nutrients and less than one in five people realised that potatoes contain vitamin C. And when asked, more than 80% of consumers want to support home-grown food, but there is some confusion about what British farmers produce. Half of consumers think rice is being grown in Britain, and three quarters of consumers think that British farmers grow wheat for pasta – in fact, neither is true. Paice said: "Potato Day is a great opportunity to clear up the myth that potatoes are unhealthy. Potatoes are good value, versatile and healthy. Fresh potatoes don't need to be manufactured like pasta or bread so they have less impact on the planet." Potato Day marks the launch of the Many Faces of Potatoes campaign, which aims to tackle misconceptions amongst younger consumers and show that potatoes can be convenient and healthy.