The Jersey Royal Company has launched the 2026 ‘Cover crop’ competition, celebrating the island’s growers and the vibrant cover crops that help keep Jersey’s landscape beautiful and resilient all year round.
Now entering its third year, the competition invites Jersey growers to showcase the bird, pollinator and soil‑health mixes that protect the land between potato seasons, support wildlife and add living colour to fields across the island.
A chance for islanders to explore Jersey’s living patchwork
Across Jersey, fields planted with cover crops form a patchwork of flowering plants that create striking views for residents and visitors, while quietly caring for soil, water and wildlife.
Islanders are encouraged to get out and explore during the season, spotting different cover crop mixes and seeing first‑hand how they contribute to the island’s scenery. From bright visual displays to more subtle habitats for birds and pollinators.
Why cover crops matter for Jersey
Cover crops are grown between potato seasons to protect and enrich the soil, reduce erosion and provide food and shelter for wildlife.
Research carried out in 2025 by ecologist Jess Sandle‑Brownlie showed that fields planted with cover crops support far more pollinators and a wider mix of species than traditional grass control fields, confirming the ecological value of these mixes for Jersey’s landscape.
Competition format, judges and sponsors
The 2026 Cover Crop Competition will once again recognise outstanding fields in five key categories:
- Best Bird Cover Crop
- Best Visual Cover Crop
- Best Pollinator Cover Crop
- Best Soil Health Cover Crop
- Best Overall Cover Crop
Judging will take place in August (early judging) and October (late judging), with winners announced at the Jersey Farmers Conference in November 2026.
The 2026 judging panel brings together expertise in ecology, farming, biodiversity and soil health:
- Cris Sellares
- Dawn Venton
- Tina Hull
- Paul Gibbs
Growers will receive guidance from agronomists, environmental specialists and the competition’s valued sponsors, continuing strong partnerships with local organisations that support regenerative farming, biodiversity and education on the island.
Building a regenerative farming island
The Jersey Royal Company and Albert Bartlett see cover cropping as a cornerstone of regenerative farming on the island: protecting soil, enhancing biodiversity and helping farmers produce high‑quality potatoes in harmony with nature.
Islanders can follow updates, photos and stories from the 2026 Cover Crop Competition on the Jersey Royal Company’s website and are encouraged to explore the island’s fields responsibly, enjoying the views while respecting crops, wildlife and farm operations.
The Jersey Royal Company is part of the Albert Bartlett family, following Albert Bartlett’s acquisition of the business in March 2024. The company now sits within the family-owned Albert Bartlett group, which has long been involved in packing and marketing Jersey Royal potatoes.
