Potato and tomato exports slump

Exports of Jersey Royal potatoes and tomatoes have fallen over the past year, according to the States.

Tomatoes have been worst hit, with exports down by about 30% since 2003, according to the latest statistics.

Tomato growers have been particularly hit by the rising cost of heating glasshouses.

Exports of Jersey Royal potatoes have fallen by about 1,000 tonnes over the past year, with bad weather a significant factor.

'Margins squeezed'

The amount of land dedicated to growing potatoes has also shrunk dramatically, with 2,731 vergees (approximately 1,201 acres) lost from the industry since 2003.

Potatoes are the island's biggest export crop and the season runs from March to June.

Last year the island's potato seed crop was affected by bad weather in June and July. Crops were also affected by winter frosts.

William Church, the director of Jersey Producers' Marketing Organisation, told BBC News a number of factors were responsible for the drop in tomato exports.

"Some of the island's growers have retired in the past couple of years and overall costs have increased, including fuel and labour costs," he said.

"But the figures themselves don't take diversification into account - many growers are choosing different types of tomatoes which may be smaller and weigh less."

However, Mr Church said margins were being squeezed and other growers were considering retirement.

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