Secondary school students are being given the chance to be a part of potato history and name a brand new variety. 

The competition, being held as part of the 'Cook Your Own Potatoes' initiative, invites secondary schools to name a new 'fluffy' variety with purple eyes. In addition, there is also £350 of kitchen equipment up for grabs for the best potato packaging design.

Set up in 2011, the 'Cook Your Own Potatoes' project provides information for food technology teachers. The project, managed from its own website, provides resources and activities to help teachers.

Commenting on the programme's latest initiative, Potato Council education coordinator, Sue Lawton, said "This is a rare and thrilling opportunity for students to get creative and name a potato variety that will be available soon. We hope to receive lots of great entries and would encourage industry to spread the word and promote the competition to local schools in their area."

To enter, schools should send their suggested name and their reasons for choosing it to Sue.Lawton@potato.ahdb.org.uk by Friday 15th February 2013. The winner will be the school that comes up with the best name and backs this up with the most imaginative description. The school that submits the best packaging design to entice shoppers to buy the new variety will win £350 of kitchen equipment.

Growers encouraged to engage with industry's future

Potato growers and suppliers are also being encouraged to get involved with Potato Council's primary school project, Grow Your Own Potatoes, as it enters its ninth year on the educational calendar.

Registration is open until 1st February 2013, after which participating schools will be sent a growing kit. Planting gets underway in March, so that schools are able to harvest their crops before the end of the summer term.

This is a great opportunity for growers to build a lasting relationship with local schools and share expert knowledge and guidance through planting and harvesting events, classroom talks and farm visits. Amanda Cornforth, Potato Ambassador for Yorkshire, said, "We have a duty to educate and inform young people to build their knowledge. The Grow Your Own Potatoes project is a great way to create enthusiasm for and a better understanding of potatoes, so sign up a school today."

Case study material and a handy guide to help growers plan and carry out schools activity is available for Sue Lawton or the Potato Council website