News article

29 August 2012

Food industry & Angus school win partnership award

Back to list of articles

PRESS RELEASE

'Tattie Tastic', the innovative employer and education partnership between Agrico UK , an Angus-based potato business, and Glamis Primary School, won the Partnership Excellence Award at last night's Angus Council's Partnership Recognition Event1. The Scottish Food and Drink Federation (SFDF)2, the voice of manufacturers in Scotland, was also a partner in the award which recognises the organisations' contribution to development and skills for learning, life and work.

Tattie Tastic was developed by SFDF as part of its 'A Future in Food'3 national schools programme. The project supports 'A Curriculum for Excellence' and enables pupils to gain a better understanding of the production and processing of food and also to gain practical skills via real life experiences and active engagement with industry.

Pupils involved in the project had a series of interactive lessons led by Agrico UK, to teach them all about potatoes – from farm to fork, including growing their own potatoes and marketing them.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment Richard Lochhead said: “I am delighted that Tattie Tastic – part of the Scottish Government funded A Future in Food project - has won this well deserved award from Angus Council and my congratulations go to both Glamis Primary School and Agrico UK.

“This project has inspired children to learn more about where their food comes in a fun and stimulating way. I want all children across Scotland to be given that opportunity – and that's why we commitment £2 million of funding in March to help facilitate projects such as this.”

Moira Stalker, National Coordinator for SFDF's A Future in Food, said: “We are thrilled that Tattie Tastic has been recognised by Angus Council for its contribution towards skills development in the local area. For this project we use the food industry as a context for learning. This is a great way to give young people an insight into both the industry and the world of work.”

Archie Gibson, Executive Director at Agrico UK, said: “It has been a privilege to partner with Glamis Primary School on year one of Tattie Tastic in collaboration with the Scottish Food and Drink Federation's A Future in Food programme. Everyone who has been involved with this project has commented upon the way the children have embraced the breadth and scope of the project. Project work has ranged from pupils growing their own potatoes and measuring carbohydrate in the laboratory, to designing marketing posters and conducting sensory evaluation taste tests. We look forward to many more years introducing our young people to where food comes through Tattie Tastic.”

Jayne Ferguson, Head Teacher at Glamis Primary School, said: “Our involvement with Agrico UK has brought real inspiration to our pupils and has made their learning interesting, fun and engaging. Throughout the project pupils have become more motivated about their learning and for many of them this work has boosted their confidence as a result of the success they have achieved. Agrico UK has provided a unique perspective for our pupils and staff.”

Note to Editors:

  1. At Angus Council's Partnership Recognition Event, local employers, organisations and external groups from the wider community are recognised for their contribution to the development and skills for learning, life and work within Angus.
  2. The Scottish Food and Drink and Federation is the voice of the Scottish food and drink manufacturing industry – Scotland's largest manufacturing sector
  3. A Future in Food works to foster mutually beneficial relationships between schools and the Scottish food and drink industry, helping teachers, pupils and parents better understand the sector and highlighting the wide variety of careers on offer.
  4. View photos of the Tattie Tastic partnership at work
  5. View photos from the event

More information

Nicki Hunt on or 020 7420 7132 - nicki.hunt@fdf.org.uk

Rebecca Wilhelm or 020 7420 7140 - rebecca.wilhelm@fdf.org.uk

Avni Raval or 020 7420 7131 - Avni.Raval@fdf.org.uk

Anna Taylor or 020 7420 7118 - anna.taylor@fdf.org.uk

Back to list of articles