Down to Earth Potato Day, held on first weekend of February, took place at Stroud Farmers market on Saturday, writes Simon Pizzey.
Tens of varieties of seed potatoes were on display, from Vivaldi to Picasso. A steady stream of keen potato growers chose and bagged their beloved varieties and gambled on a few different ones for a change. Norah Kennedy made an excellent potato cake for visitors and customers to enjoy.

Director of Down to Earth Stroud, Amanda Godber, was on hand for help and information including some facts about potatoes, including:
There are more than 100 edible varieties of potato.
Potatoes come from South America – Peru, Bolivia, and the Andes.

China is the biggest producer of potatoes and Idaho in the US is called the potato state and has its own potato museum.
Potato is near-perfect food is 99.9% fat-free and contains vitamins B6, C, E, K, and minerals like potassium, magnesium and phosphorous.
Down to Earth Stroud supports people in growing and harvesting their own fruit and vegetables. Their aim is to increase access to, and availability of fresh, nutritious and healthy food and encourage reconnection with the land. They provide a range of services including gardening and run several community projects across Gloucestershire.