An additional 7,500 tonnes of seaweed has been collected in dangerous conditions to fertilise the huge crop of Jersey Royal potatoes being produced on the Channel Island this season.
The Jersey Royal Company, the island’s largest producer, has traditionally used the algae for its crop, gathering it night and day only once it has washed up during hazardous conditions during the storm season six days a week in accordance with ancient laws that prevent it being harvested.
Perfect growing conditions have led to even earlier growth than usual and new variety Pearl, which is marketed exclusively in Tesco, is seeing volumes take off after trials. The company reports that demand has risen fourfold on last year. In 2010, the company shipped 350 tonnes to the UK all season. This year it has already shipped 1,300t.
Growers planted an extra 300ha this season to meet anticipated extra demand and potato yields have been very high.
Tesco potato buyer Andy Blackett said: “Perfect growing conditions and increased production of Pearl are mainly responsible for the extra demand. If the weather keeps up then we are potentially looking at an all time sales record this season.”
