Jersey

Potato cultivation is integral to the agricultural identity of Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands, where the famed Jersey Royal potato—an early selection of the International Kidney variety—is exclusively grown. Protected under the EU’s Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, Jersey Royals are cultivated on approximately 2,000 hectares, mainly on the island’s sloped coastal fields known as cotils, which benefit from abundant sunlight, mild maritime climate, and nutrient-rich soils influenced by salty sea breezes.

Characterized by their small, kidney-shaped form, thin yellow skin, and waxy cream-colored flesh, Jersey Royals are prized for their sweet, earthy flavor and are harvested primarily between April and July. Over half of Jersey’s land is devoted to agriculture, with Jersey Royals dominating fresh produce exports and earning the moniker “the champagne of potatoes.”

The Jersey Royal Company, Meleches Farms, and other local growers lead in sustainable production, while institutions such as the Royal Jersey Agricultural & Horticultural Society (RJA&HS) and the Government of Jersey provide research support, statistical oversight, and policy guidance to ensure the continued success of this iconic crop.

The origin of the Jersey Royal potato dates back to around 1878, when Hugh de la Haye, a local Jersey farmer, discovered an unusually large potato with 15 “eyes” and planted its pieces on a steep côtil above Bellozanne Valley. One sprout produced thin-skinned, kidney-shaped tubers that gained popularity under the name “Jersey Royal Fluke,” later shortened to Jersey Royal.

Endorsed by Queen Victoria, the potato's reputation as a premium spring variety quickly spread. In 1996–97, Jersey Royals earned EU Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, becoming the only UK potato with this distinction.

Their cultivation is confined to Jersey’s sunny, south-facing côtils—steep coastal slopes that offer ideal growing conditions enhanced by traditional seaweed-based fertiliser known as vraic. The Jersey Royal Company (established in 2001) and the Genuine Jersey label (launched in 2007) have played key roles in standardizing quality and promoting the crop’s local heritage, reinforcing its identity as a symbol of Jersey’s agricultural excellence.