FARMS & FARMING
A big ‘thank-you’ to Jersey’s farmers, food producers and horticulturists... ...from Jess McGovern, head of Education and Development at the Royal Jersey Agricultural & Horticultural Society
In our current mad times, it would be understood - expected even - for the industry to turn down my requests when I ask them if they could give up their valuable time to speak to a group of young people about their particular focus of work within the local food and farming sectors. But not only do they agree enthusiastically, they carry out my request to the highest of standards and then ask what else they can do next to assist and help Cultivate Young Minds. This positive response and proactiveness to inspire the next generation is typical of the sector’s response and I feel passionately that this needs to be recognised and commemorated. On behalf of the RJA&HS and young people in the Island, we thank them for investing in Jersey's future in this way. My most recent request to them was to ask a number of Cultivate supporters if they would like to participate in our pilot ‘Cultivate Enrichment’ initiative. Sixth-formers Island-wide choose from a variety of Enrichment Electives which all aim to ignite a passion for discovery, knowledge, and adventure alongside their academic experience.
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This summer term, Cultivate had the opportunity to be an elective option for sixth-formers at Jersey College for Girls. For one hour each week, the Cultivate Enrichment session cultivated a connection to our Island’s local, seasonal food and produce, as well as with the passionate community of local producers who grow, rear, catch and cook our local food and plants. Thanks to Justin Le Gresley from Anneville Farm, the students learnt about organic farming and the process of getting certified organic by the Soil Association. The students learnt visually about the different methods used to increase the fertility of the soil more naturally through, for example, diverse cover crop. They learnt about the different methods that Anneville Farm are using to build both fertility and soil carbon, including multiple rotations which Justin hopes will build diversity in the ecosystems both below and above the ground. The students' also learnt that Jersey exports 80% of what it produces and imports 90% of what it consumes, a phenomenal fact which understandably prompted much curiosity and questioning from the students'. In just an hour, Justin outlined the relevance that food and farming plays in the students' daily lives and with the natural world around them in such an effective way. In a two-part enrichment experience, the gardening team at Trinity Manor kindly offered the students an opportunity to learn more about the complex and enchanting world of horticulture.
The students observed the variety of plants and flowers within the mesmerising gardens and toured the wildflower meadow, where the abundance of wildlife was a joy to behold for the students. They learnt the process of seed sowing and they put their learning into action to sow some cosmos seeds, which were taken back to school where they were planted in the science garden.
Top - bottom: Olivia Keylock from Trinity Manor deputy head gardener and JCG sixth form students and Justin Le Gresley.
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hy a ‘thank-you’? Well, because the food, farming and horticulture sectors in the Island have shown continuous enthusiasm and eagerness to add value to our ‘Cultivate Young Minds’ initiative. Their help deserves acknowledgement, thanks and celebration.
