Offering a taste of potato research, innovation and food waste prevention

A new event centred around on the humble potato will showcase Newcastle University’s leading research and latest innovations in plant and crop science.

Taking place on Thursday 15 December, Spud Fest will show how the University and its partners are working to prevent food waste resulting from the potato harvest. Visitors will learn first-hand from Newcastle University experts how tonnes of potatoes are grown every year as part of this world-leading research.

Visitors will find out more about Newcastle University’s Farms (NU farms) and research from national (Institute for Agri-Food Research and Innovation) and international (Ecobreed, Nemdetect) projects and industrial collaborations.

The day will be packed with fun activities and games with prizes to win. There will be informative talks, and research demonstrations, with posters, videos and models to explore.

The University’s catering team will be cooking up a treat for visitors with free tasting samples, including potato and mozzarella croquettes, aloo tikki chaat and crispy potato skins. The potatoes for the tastings will be cooked in a way that highlights and complements their properties. There will be a stall with 60 different potato varieties and everyone attending Spud Fest will be offered potatoes to take away and cook.

Professor Robert Edwards, Head of the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, said: “We are excited to welcome visitors to our campus to show first-hand our ground-breaking research across the natural sciences. Our guests will learn how we work with our Sustainability Team, Keenan Recycling Ltd, our catering team EAT@Newcastle and Newcastle Food Bank to prevent any food waste. As part of this collaboration, we have already distributed over two tonnes of potatoes to families in need with the help of Newcastle Food Bank.”

Spud Fest is free and open to all. It takes place on 15 December from 10am to 4pm at the Boiler House, Newcastle University. Find out more: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/nes/news/events/event-items/spud-fest/