Apple orchards (FOI)

Request

I would like to examine the amount of land registered or used in Jersey as Orchards or for the growing of Apples.

If possible I would like to see the use of this land on a per Parish basis, with a total land area measurement for both the whole Island and individual parishes. I hope this can be achieved through a land registry or similar system.

If available, I would also like to examine the number of enterprises which produce cider in Jersey, in order to compare this to the historic production.

Response

The amount of land used for orchards on the Island can be found on page 15 of the latest annual Agricultural Statistics report, published on Gov.je. This 2017 report shows the most recent five year figures. A link to the 2017 report can be found below:

Agricultural Statistics 2017

The most recent year shows there were 259 vergees of land recorded as top fruit. Of these 259 vergees, approximately 20 are pear orchards and the rest apples.

The Government of Jersey do not have a breakdown of the number of vergees given over to apples per parish. The Public Registry may be able to help you with this. The link below provides details of how to apply for a search of the registry:

Public Registry services, fees and Stamp Duty 

There are two cider producers in the Island who also produce apple-based spirits. There are also two producers of non-alcoholic apple juice on the island.