Ayrshire earlies producers seek EU protected status

Ayrshire earlies, which are harvested months before normal potatoes, were created 160 years ago by two farmers.

Now growers are seeking EU “protected geographical status” for the crop, which would prevent farmers outside of Ayrshire from using the name, The Scotsman reports.

Girvan Early Growers submitted the application for the potatoes, renowned for their “soft skin and distinctive strong earthy nutty flavour”.

Their application states: “Ayrshire potatoes have the long-standing reputation of marking the start of supply of new Scottish season potatoes. Many factors are said to have influenced the flavour of the Ayrshire new potatoes/Ayrshire earlies including light coastal soil, mild climate, fertilisers and speed of delivery to markets.”

Michael Jarvis, a spokesman for Albert Bartlett, a buyer of the potatoes, said: “It would be a coup for the potatoes to be granted this status. The only others in the UK are Jersey Royals. These potatoes have a special flavour from being grown in Ayrshire, due to the soil.”

The crop was created after Ayrshire farmers Dunlop and Hannah went to the Channel Islands in 1857 to learn how farmers were able to grow potatoes so early in the year.

After experimenting for two years they began growing Ayrshire earlies and selling them commercially.