Jersey Royals have raised £1,900 for a local food and nutrition charity through a potato adoption scheme organised by the Jersey Royal Company. The scheme invited island residents to adopt rows of potatoes, with proceeds supporting Caring Cooks’ work helping people facing financial hardship in Jersey.
Jersey Royals Scheme Supports Food Security Through Fundraiser
The Jersey Royal Company launched the scheme as a unique approach to conventional charity adoption schemes, which often focus on animals or conservation projects. Instead, the company offfered rows of Jersey Royals for adoption at £50 per row.
The campaign resulted in the sale of 38 rows of potatoes, generating £1,900 for Caring Cooks. The charity supports islanders who are struggling financially by providing nutritious meals and food vouchers.
Caring Cooks confirmed that the funds will contribute directly to its ongoing programmes supporting vulnerable residents. The charity has previously noted rising demand for food support amid increased living costs.
“We were delighted to be chosen as the beneficiary and hope it is something Jersey Royal Company will consider running again in the future,” said Yvonne Corbin, chief executive of Caring Cooks. “It brought together local produce, community support and charitable giving in a really accessible way.”
Operational Details Of The Jersey Royal Adoption Scheme
The adopted Jersey Royals will be grown over the coming months and harvested in spring. Each adopter will receive a 10kg bag of potatoes once the crop is harvested.
Participants also received a welcome letter, a personalised certificate confirming their allocated row, and Jersey Royal Recipe Cards. Each row also featured a personalised field marker, while adopters received exclusive updates and videos of the planting to harvest process.
“Jersey Royals are highly anticipated every year by foodies across the UK, and this initiative helps to promote the seasonality of fresh produce and the full journey from field to fork,” said Adrian Baudains, farm director at Jersey Royal Company. “We hope this initiative will connect with our loyal customers while raising funds for a worthwhile local charity.”
Similar fundraising approaches have gained traction among UK charities. Charity Journal has reported some, including efforts by international organisations to provide food assistance during crises.
Background On Jersey Royals
Jersey Royals hold Protected Designation of Origin status, awarded in 1997, which limits the name to potatoes grown on the island of Jersey. The variety dates back to 1878, when local farmer Hugh de la Haye discovered an unusual potato that later became the foundation of Jersey’s most recognisable agricultural export.
Today, Jersey Royals remain a seasonal crop grown exclusively on the island between April and July. The Jersey Royal Company, formed through the 2024 acquisition of the Jersey Royal Company by Albert Barlett, continues to invest in sustainable farming practices while supporting local producers.
