Farming today in Jersey

The president of the Jersey Farmers’ Union, Peter Le Maistre, profiles the issues facing the farming industry in the Island

The agricultural industry in Jersey over the last 200 years has, as you might expect, enjoyed many ups and downs and the Jersey farmer and grower of 2022 is, unfortunately, farming in one of those periods at the bottom of the cycle.

The outbreak of Covid in March 2020 and the closure of hospitality businesses locally and in the UK meant that trading in all sectors was stifled. By the end of 2021 things began to improve in sales but suddenly costs of production started to rise dramatically. The war in Ukraine has only exacerbated those price rises and the 30 percent rise in the minimum wage has only added to the problems.

On a more positive note, industry leaders have convinced Jersey’s Government that extra funding is needed to help the industry through these difficult times. We have been able to show through our commitment to LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming), that money provided not only ensures local food security but that at the same time we are protecting and improving the environment. Similarly, we are working with Trinity AgTech to provide the latest data on our carbon footprint and, more importantly, how we can reduce it.

Part of the new financial package will provide further funding for productivity initiatives. These are imperative if we are to remain competitive in the future. The Jersey Farmers’ Union is working with university partners at the moment to see if it is possible to plant potatoes robotically without human involvement. Initiatives such as this are the key to future success.

Part of this year’s problems have been weather related (drought). All sectors will soon need to consider what to do if the recent trend continues. For dairy farmers, this may mean different varieties of maize and grass more appropriate to hot dry summers. For potato growers, perhaps using less polythene and increasing water storage.

Local market supply has been severely affected by the loss of Woodside Farms. Some of the slack may be picked up by other growers, but not all. There are a small number of new producers who can provide seasonal fruit and vegetables and it is imperative that the industry finds a way to encourage their success. At the moment, many of them are confined to selling via SCOOP, the consumer led cooperative, or hedge veg stalls. I believe we must find a way to integrate them into mainstream retail outlets. I believe the next six months to be a critical period for Jersey agriculture. The ever- increasing cost of labour (14% in 10 months) has more than wiped out any increased support in the 2023 Government budget. The Council of Ministers intention to further increase the minimum wage to a living wage must be coupled with extra support for the industry – otherwise it will cease to exist.

Contact the Jersey Farmers’ Union Email: office@jfu.je Tel: 01534 733581