A major initiative to rescue the remaining supplies of Jersey Royal potatoes has been launched by Tesco in partnership with Jersey growers, in the aftermath of the worst rainfall in living memory.
Operation Save our Spuds was mounted after nearly two weeks of heavy downpours have resulted in six inches of rain, halting exports and holding back an estimated 40 per cent of annual production.
Some 4,300 acres of potato fields are either under water or water logged.
The UK number-one retailer has teamed up with growers to help lift the remaining crop and get it into stores.
An extra 20 tractors have been hired in order to help tow harvesting equipment.
Tom Binet, a partner in the Jersey Royal Co, has 550 people on standby to pitch in once the rain subsides.
He said: “We are using every possible means to get the remaining crop out of the ground before the season ends. If the rain holds off, we could possibly have them in stores on the UK mainland by Sunday or Monday.
“I’ve been growing Jersey Royals here for 35 years and have never known anything like this.”
Tesco potato buyer Paul Smith added: “We are working with the growers to assure them there is an outlet for their potatoes.
“We are keeping the space available and will fast-track stocks through our distribution network to ensure that the potatoes are available field fresh for customers, and ensuring the growers livelihood is maintained.
“As long as we get them out soon, they will still be top quality.”
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