More investment for Jersey Royal potato.

14 Jan, 2009

Millions of pounds sterling are being invested in the future of the Jersey Royal potato, with growers and packers predicting huge demand for the famous spud.

With two new packhouses due to open over the next few months, retired farmers have re-entered the industry and some are planning to use more fields for potatoes, as well as investing in new machinery and tractors.

Jersey Royal Ltd and Albert Bartlett (Jersey) Ltd both spent the latter half of last year constructing huge packing sheds, and there are predictions that 2009 could be a very good year.

The news is in stark contrast to the current economic climate, and while some sectors are seeing job losses, potato growers are expanding their businesses and returning to the industry.

Tim Ward, general manager of Albert Bartlett (Jersey) Ltd, said that some farmers had been given a direct boost by the construction of Bartlett