A vast stockpile of potatoes is being given away for free by a farm in the German state of Saxony, after a bumper national harvest. Since mid-January, thousands of tasty tubers have been rolling into Berlin, as residents brave icy streets to bag their share. Dubbed 'the great potato rescue,' the initiative aims to prevent around 4 million kg (8.8 million lb) of surplus spuds from going to waste. Beneficiaries include food banks, schools, and churches.
However, the campaign has not been without its detractors. The Brandenburg Farmers' Association has described the initiative as a 'disgusting PR stunt,' expressing concerns over its impact on local markets. Germany, known as the European Union's potato-producing capital, is facing a saturated market due to last year's prolific harvest.
Peter Schink, editor of the Berliner Morgenpost which initiated the plan, emphasizes the aim is to highlight the potato's value as food, while the logistics are coordinated and funded through a partnership with eco-friendly search engine Ecosia.
Osterland Agrar, the agricultural firm left with the surplus potatoes after a customer contract fell through, stated they would prefer to see their 'magnificent tubers' distributed rather than left to rot in fields.
Despite the ongoing effort in Berlin, not all support the initiative; some see it as undermining the worth of food. A dedicated website lists locations across the capital where potatoes can be collected. While the campaign has generated significant media coverage, residents have reported mixed results when searching for 'frei Kartoffeln' (free potatoes).
As funding begins to diminish and the excitement winds down, Schink hints there may be one more truckload delivered after the weather warms up. This ongoing story shines a light on a nation renowned for its potato dishes and the hunger for sustainable food practices.
However, the campaign has not been without its detractors. The Brandenburg Farmers' Association has described the initiative as a 'disgusting PR stunt,' expressing concerns over its impact on local markets. Germany, known as the European Union's potato-producing capital, is facing a saturated market due to last year's prolific harvest.
Peter Schink, editor of the Berliner Morgenpost which initiated the plan, emphasizes the aim is to highlight the potato's value as food, while the logistics are coordinated and funded through a partnership with eco-friendly search engine Ecosia.
Osterland Agrar, the agricultural firm left with the surplus potatoes after a customer contract fell through, stated they would prefer to see their 'magnificent tubers' distributed rather than left to rot in fields.
Despite the ongoing effort in Berlin, not all support the initiative; some see it as undermining the worth of food. A dedicated website lists locations across the capital where potatoes can be collected. While the campaign has generated significant media coverage, residents have reported mixed results when searching for 'frei Kartoffeln' (free potatoes).
As funding begins to diminish and the excitement winds down, Schink hints there may be one more truckload delivered after the weather warms up. This ongoing story shines a light on a nation renowned for its potato dishes and the hunger for sustainable food practices.
