BY WHATEVER MEASURE YOU USE, PRODUCTIVITY IN AGRICULTURE IS UP.


It was also sad to hear that prospective candidates for the elections were being asked about crop diversification and productivity in the industry at various meetings and, more disappointing, was the fact that only a small number of the candidates were able to give an accurate picture of what was actually going on in the countryside in Jersey. Crop diversification has been taking place for the last 40 years and many of the suggestions made about crops that we can grow are redundant. On our farm alone, in that period, we would have grown 30-40 different crops but as time moves on they have become financially unviable and so have been dropped. Currently, there is impetus for new crops. However, the politicians seemed to have no knowledge of any of this.


Some detractors of our industry seem keen to move us away from our main livelihood. Why? The Jersey Royal and the Jersey Cow are two of the leading brands in European food production. Why would you not concentrate on them? The dairy industry has increased sales to countries near and far on the quality and providence of their product. The Jersey Royal is still regarded as the leading brand of new potato in the United Kingdom. It has protected origin status and we should be proud that it is sold in every major supermarket in the British Isles. How many other products, let alone food products, can lay claim to that level of market penetration?


Another myth that needs dispelling is the question of productivity. By whatever measure you use, productivity in agriculture is up. For example, fewer herds, with roughly the same number of cattle are producing much more milk. Potato export figures per acre have remained fairly static but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Firstly, the fact that 50% of the potatoes are now washed means that anything with slight marks or damage are now not exported like they would have been in the past, and the demand for smaller size potatoes means that the number of tubers produced has actually increased. So, more milk, more potatoes and all produced with less labour. The Island should be proud that every potato grower and every dairy farmer who is not already certified is working towards a LEAF accreditation. LEAF is a prestigious environmental scheme where we hope, in 18 months’ time, Jersey will be leading the way by having the vast majority of the Island’s farmers under its umbrella. This will help further increase the sustainability of the Island’s production systems.


My message to those who are successful in the coming election here and when the time comes elsewhere in the UK, is that we are doing all we can to provide you with an industry that you can be proud of. We have problems, particularly with labour shortages and the ability to pay higher statutory wage rates but, through good communication, surely these problems can be overcome.


Please remember, we are more than just custodians of the countryside, we produce your food.


Peter Le Maistre E: andyashesq@gmail.com


35 | ADMISI - The Ghost In The Machine | May/June 2018


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