
Occupation VIPs Invited to Enter Jersey Royal Potato Growing Competition
As part of the 80th anniversary celebrations of Liberation Day, Occupation VIPs are being encouraged to take part in the annual Jersey Royal potato growing competition.
The competition challenges participants to cultivate the heaviest crop and the greatest number of Jersey Royal new potatoes. Occupation VIPs—individuals who lived in Jersey during the German occupation in World War Two, or who were evacuated, departed, or served in the forces—have a dedicated competition category.
Those eligible to compete in this category must register with their parish by 24 January, and potato growing kits will be distributed in February.
The event, organised by the Genuine Jersey Products Association, culminates in a weigh-in this May to determine the winners.
Mike Jackson, chairman of the Comité des Connétables, expressed enthusiasm for the inclusion of Occupation VIPs but noted that this will be the last year the special category is offered.
"Understandably, the number of entrants has declined since it was first introduced in 2022, and the Connétables have, regrettably, decided this will be the final year an Occupation VIP class is available. We hope many Occupation VIPs will participate," he said.
Jersey, one of the Channel Islands, was the only part of the British Isles occupied by German forces during World War Two. The island marks the end of the occupation every year on Liberation Day, 9 May.