Branston
Retailer launched Future Farmer Foundation to ‘help bright, talented, determined youngsters make a confident start in the world of agriculture’
Thanet Earth and Branston are assisting Tesco with its latest Future Farmer Foundation activity.
The foundation is open once again to receive applications from enthusiastic young farmers who wish to make their mark on the industry.
Tesco launched the Future Farmer Foundation in 2014 to “help bright, talented, determined young people make a confident start in the world of agriculture; whether they are looking to take over the family farm, embark on a new farming venture, or have an ambition to enter the industry for the first time.”
This intake, the third for the foundation, will build on some of the successes that Tesco claims have already been achieved in the previous years.
According to Tesco, around 100 young people have already benefited from the programme, which aims to develop the business and personal skills of the participants and teach them about the importance of an effective supply chain for a modern sustainable farm business.
Lisa Buckley-Hoyle, Tesco’s category director for sourcing and agriculture, said: “Our Future Farmer Foundation is about encouraging people to make their own start in the world of agriculture. We have been delighted with huge drive and enthusiasm we have seen so far with the intake in other years and we feel confident that this year will be even better.
“At Tesco, we recognise the many challenges young people face in this industry. As British agriculture’s biggest customer, it is important to us that we help create opportunities for the next generation of farmers.”
Training is delivered by experts in their respective fields from across agriculture, and the foundation is supported by leading food and farming businesses including the aforementioned Thanet Earth and Branston, and other firms including Bayer Crop Science, Muller-Wiseman, and Noble Foods.
Buckley Hoyle added: “By aiming to provide participants with the opportunity to be exposed to all parts of the industry and supply chain, the Future Farmer Foundation has already helped to create a new generation of customer focused entrepreneurs in a fast moving and global industry.”
‘Future farmers’ will also have the opportunity to apply for a Tesco International Scholarship, worth up to £5,500
Sales of the potatoes reach an all-time high during the two-week run up to the festive period, according to key supplier Branston
Potato supplier, Branston, has revealed the King Edward as the nationʼs favourite roaster to accompany the traditional Christmas lunch.
Sales of the potatoes reach an all-time high during the two-week run up to the festive period, with celebrity chefs such as Jamie Oliver, Delia Smith and Tom Kerridge championing the variety.
Branston sales and marketing director, James Truscott, said: “The King Edward is undoubtedly the king of the crop when it comes to the Christmas roast dinner, with sales increasing by around 250% in the run up to the big day.
“Whilst sales across other lines such as mainstream white potatoes and Maris Piper also increase substantially, the UKʼs love affair with this, the most traditional of all the potato offerings, really stands out.”
The variety has been grown in the UK since 1902, making it one of the oldest varieties still grown commercially. Presented as a white skinned potato with pink colouration, it is oval shaped and has a floury texture.
Truscott added: “King Edward roast potatoes are as much a part of the traditional Christmas lunch as turkey, sprouts and chipolatas.
“With a delicious crispy outside and a smooth fluffy middle, they are the perfect accompaniment to the seasonal roast.”
King Edward potatoes are available all throughout the UK and are in peak season from October through to April.
An average 2.5kg pack costs around £2.