A genuinely good year for local Jersey food and craft producers

Monday 02 January 2017

Millions tuned in to see one local school's big spud weigh-in on Countryfile - a great way to celebrate Genuine Jersey's 15th anniversary.

2016 saw 17 new members join the Association that is now behind a competition to get more teenagers cooking.

The Association's Chief Executive John Garton said: "2016 has been a very productive year for Genuine Jersey in which we’ve continued to raise the profile of our members, and with that, the status of goods that are made, grown, caught or reared in the Island.

"It was the 15^th anniversary of the Association – a point of consolidation where we took stock of what we have been doing, and the members we represent. Our 17 new members come from a wide range of sectors from arts and crafts, to food and drink.

"We have diversified our funding, by raising money from the private sector. In addition to our principal funding partner EDTS&C (Economic Development Tourism Sport & Culture), we are fortunate to receive over £1,000 from Jersey Water and Jersey Electricity PLC, and we secured a three-year sponsorship for the markets from Islands Insurance, along with preferential rates for insurance. Islands also offers our members products and public liability insurance - something that is essential for taking part in markets and craft fairs.

"One of the highlights of the year was our annual Jersey Royal growing competition, now into its 10^th year. Seeing some of our members and competition entrants from primary schools on Countryfile was the prefect celebration.

"Thanks to a three-year sponsorship deal with the Channel Islands Co-operative Society, we can look forward to keeping the competition on the agenda for schools and media in the Island. The competition is great fun, but it is also an important tool for teaching youngsters about how the Island’s most important crop is grown.

"Genuine Jersey has also begun sponsorship of the Skills For Life event – a cooking competition held at JCG which encourages secondary school children to develop their culinary skills so they can prepare fresh, nourishing food for themselves.

"A number of our members also took part in the Christmas craft market at the Greve de Lecq barracks, and in the Victorian Christmas market at Hamptonne – events we hope will continue to grow next year.

"As we move into 2017, we will continue to help members develop their businesses, opening doors for new producers, and helping turn hobbies and passions into successful businesses that provide a livelihood for members, and that enrich the Island’s cultural and commercial scene."