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A family farm of seven generations is encouraging islanders from non-farming backgrounds to enter the industry with a new scheme.
Under Master Farms' new 'earn while you learn' scheme, a paid apprentice would get trained up – possibly from scratch – across different areas of the agricultural business.
Master Farms comprises Jersey cows and crops including Jersey Royals, cauliflowers, courgettes and tomatoes. They also host an annual sunflower maze, a pick-your-own-pumpkins event, and a Christmas tree fest.
They are currently preparing to open the annual sunflower maze, which they expect will be ready during the second or third week of August in Grouville.
“There is a lack of young people deciding to pursue a career in farming. We are a farming family that have been farming for seven generations in our farm," Philip Le Maistre explained.
“I really want to try and encourage people who don’t come from a farming background – we will welcome them with open arms if they want to start a career in agriculture.”
Applicants would not be required to have a farming background, Mr Le Maistre added – the main requirement is a passion for agriculture and the outdoors.
“I often hear people say it’s really hard to get into agriculture if you're not from a farming family. I want to dispel that.
“If you’ve got an interest in the outdoors and you’re passionate about Jersey farming, then come and work for us, we’ll train you up.”
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Pictured: The apprentice would work in different parts of the farm, including with Jersey cows
Mr Le Maistre said the plan was for the apprentice to work in different parts of the farm over the course of a year, starting at the end of the summer. After that, they might want to stay working at the farm or pursue further education at a university or college in the UK.
“Different people have different ways of learning,” Mr Le Maistre said.
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