Jersey Royal potato exports fall

Jersey Royal exports in 2012 were down by more than 2,000 tonnes on 2011 levels, according to a report.

The Agricultural Statistics report says this amounts to a drop in income of about £2m. The report said the weather made it difficult for potato growing. It also found the land used for the crop has shrunk, albeit by less than 1%.

William Church from the Jersey Royal Company says the findings are not a cause for concern. He said: "We are operating in a market that can fluctuate;there is still significant demand from retailers wanting to stock it. We have a limited window where we can sell the stock and there is no great concern. If there is still demand and we have a willing market then people will still grow them. I don't think there is anybody likely to leave the industry and I expect the situation to remain stable."

The number of Jersey Royals sold or exported fell from 30,890 tonnes in 2011, worth £30.8m, to 28,600 tonnes in 2012, worth £28.6m.

Mr Church told BBC News the figures covered 2012 but that the outlook for this year was not likely to be any better, due to the effects of snowfall.

He said: "When you are working in agriculture you always, to a certain extent, operate to the vagaries of the British weather, but that has been the same for the past 50 years - it is just something you have to work with as a farmer."