Potato growers invited to take part in cover crop competition

Sunday 12 May 2024

Local potato growers are invited to join in a cover crop competition which hopes to help the island's wildlife bloom.

Potato supplier Albert Bartlett is inviting Jersey growers to enter its inaugural cover crop competition.

There are four categories: best bird cover crop, best visual cover crop, best pollinator cover crop, and best soil health cover crop.

The competition's aim is to "promote best practices and biodiversity", according to organisers – supporting and increasing pollinators, bird feeding and soil health.

It is hoped that this will ultimately benefit Jersey's environment and wildlife as whole.

Pictured: Growers will be judged on how well they follow best practices and promote biodiversity 

Albert Bartlett's procurement director, Paddy Graham-Jones, said: "The competition has been launched to celebrate and further encourage the excellent work undertaken by the Jersey farming community through best practice and biodiversity to support and increase pollinators and bird feeding.

"We see this as an opportunity to expand current practices and enhance the reputation of the best farming practices within the island’s community."

A number of other local organisations are also involved, including from Birds on the Edge, Normans seed suppliers, the Jersey Bees Association, and the States of Jersey's Enhancement Land Resource Management section.

These are to offer guidance to participants as the competition progresses.

Pictured: The competition aims to support and increase pollinators in Jersey's fields

Early judging will take place on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 August, followed by late judging on Friday 25 October.

An awards ceremony, where the winners will be announced, is scheduled at Albert Bartlett's headquarters on Route de la Trinité on Wednesday 20 November.

The competition is open to Albert Bartlett growers, who have received details on entering via the supplier.