UK’s first carbon-neutral potato crop grown in Wales

The UK’s first carbon-neutral potatoes are being grown in Wales to tackle the “huge effect” the food industry has on climate change.

Root Zero, a new product line for Pembrokeshire-based Puffin Produce, is among more than 200 new products being showcased at BlasCymru/TasteWales at Newport today (Wednesday 27 October).

See also: How to grow potatoes using minimal tillage

Puffin Produce managing director Huw Thomas said the potatoes were certified carbon neutral and grown using sustainable farming practices.

“We are hoping these sustainably packed products will start to tackle the huge effect the food industry has on climate change,” he said.

The ambitious scale in the development of new food and drink products in Wales had come during what Wales’ rural affairs secretary, Lesley Griffiths, described as an incredibly challenging year for the industry because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It demonstrated the resilience and innovative spirit of Welsh producers, she said, and the response of businesses had been “nothing short of magnificent”.

BlasCymru/TasteWales is taking place at the International Convention Centre and provides an important platform for producers to introduce their products to trade buyers from retail, food-service and export consolidators from across the UK.

It also provides an opportunity for them to meet with international buyers virtually.

New products developed over the past 12 months include novel yoghurt flavours, seasonal craft ales, a range of flavoured oat crackers and organic fermented smoked kraut.

The event is organised by Food and Drink Wales, the Welsh government’s food division, supported by Food Innovation Wales.