William Church, sales and marketing director of the Jersey Royal Company, said the cold and wet winter had meant delays to planting.

BBC: Jersey Royal potato crop 'delayed by cold weather'

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has warned the cold weather threatens to be the greatest wildlife disaster of the new millennium.

BBC: Cold fuel payment increase urged

It is feared the cold spell will have an impact on the main outdoor crop of Jersey Royal potatoes, which are planted from January onwards.

BBC: Snow causes more travel and school disruption