Prince's Trust Award for Northern Irish potato and crisp producer

Northern Irish potato processor and crisp producer Glens of Antrim Potatoes has gained the Prince's Trust Countryside Fund 'Contribution to Rural Communities Award.

Based in Cushendall, county Antrim, Glens of Antrim Potatoes won the award which champions producers in the food supply chain going the extra mile to help support local rural communities. The award was part of Marks and Spencer's 'Farming for the Future Scheme.

Glens of Antrim is a business that grows and packs a range of potatoes across Ireland. Set within an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Nine Glens, the company is passionate about preserving the local landscape and has implemented a number of environmental policies, such as a zero-waste policy, to limit its impact on the local area.

The business has also brought about the revival of the Irish Lumper potato, a variety that fell out of use after the Great Famine in Ireland in 1845. This historic potato is now used as part of a heritage project run by the company; providing seed potatoes to school students, encouraging them to plant and grow their own potatoes, as well as learning about the history surrounding their use across Ireland.

Glens of Antrim, furthermore, has strong links with the local community surrounding the company's base, through sponsorship of key local events such as the Heart of the Glens Festival and the Glens of Antrim Triathlon.

Local schools, clubs and youth groups are also encouraged to visit the business to gain an insight into the company's work. Various members of staff also regularly deliver talks and presentations to clubs and societies out of office hours.

The judges were particularly impressed with Glens of Antrim's support of the local community and community activities, their work to revive a historic potato variety and commitment to the health of company staff.

In addition to the packing of potatoes from local suppliers, Glens of Antrim also produced an extensive range of potato crisps in various flavours including sweet potato and jacket potato.

In addition to the packing of potatoes from local suppliers, Glens of Antrim also produced an extensive range of potato crisps in various flavours including sweet potato and jacket potato.