23 August 2010
In 2009, the quantity of Jersey Royals being exported was at its highest level since 2002, according to statistics published today (23 August 2010) by the Economic Development Department’s Environmental Management and Rural Economy section.
The 2009 Agricultural Statistics provide the latest information about agriculture and horticultural crops grown in Jersey, livestock numbers, export quantities and values.
The findings show that the area of early Jersey Royal potatoes has increased again, from 14,845 vergées in 2008 to 15,969 vergées in 2009. In addition, the quantity of exports, including autumn earlies, increased from 28,706 tonnes to 37,631 tonnes, the highest level since 2002.
The value of tomatoes and peppers (protected crops) exported declined from £3.5 million to £0.25 million.
The total number of dairy cows and heifers has fallen from 3,050 in 2008 to 2,979 in 2009, though Jersey Dairy milk sales rose from 11.8 million litres to 12.6 million litres. Milk yields per cow were up again at 4,217 litres per cow compared with 3,869 litres in 2008. The numbers of sheep and pigs continued to rise.
Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Connétable Len Norman, said "These statistics reflect the changes occurring within the industry, which are particularly important this year with the release of the Rural Economy Strategy White Paper for public consultation."
Agricultural statistics 2009 (government and administration section)