It's all '˜grow' as Comber Earlies Food Festival nears

Agriculture minister Michelle McIlveen visiting William Orr's potato farm at Crossgar during Open Farm Weekend. Picture: Cliff Donaldson

This free festival takes place in Comber town centre from 10am-4pm this Saturday.

Minister McIlveen said: “We have right here on our doorstep in North Down, one of Northern Ireland’s most famous exports, the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Comber Early potato, which our local farmers work tirelessly to produce.

“I would encourage all members of the public to come to the renowned Comber Earlies Food Festival on Saturday 25 June to sample some of our local produce and support our local growers during Northern Ireland’s year of Food and Drink 2016.

“Each year, the Festival attracts larger crowds and I’m sure everyone who attends will have a fun family day out whilst at the same time tickling those taste buds with a wide variety of artisan foods.”

The Minister took the opportunity to visit Comber Early grower William Orr and Sons near Crossgar to view the first of this year’s crop and discuss preparations for this year’s event.

The Minister added: “It was fascinating to see behind the scenes at this family-run farm, and the highlight was the opportunity to sample this year’s crop of Comber Earlies. We have so many fantastic local products here in Northern Ireland, and the 2016 Comber Earlies are once again something special.”