"Jersey must act now to save agricultural industry" - Co-op boss

Friday 27 February 2015

Jersey should form a co-operative for growers in the wake of the news that Amal-Grow have warned their 49 staff that they expect to close by July, according to the head of the Channel Islands Co-operative Society.

Co-op Chief Officer Colin Macleod says that the States have to step in to protect local food production, and to preserve the future of farming in the Island.

He says that the barriers that made Amal-Grow’s business uncompetitive – the grower has been operating at a loss for two years – in terms of wages and the costs of distribution, packaging and invoices must be overcome.

And he says that the new co-operative organisation could be run by Genuine Jersey – an organisation with expertise in local produce.

In a blog on the Co-op’s website, Mr Macleod said: “With States’ support, I believe our Island could create a grower co-operative to remove these barriers.

“In this model, growers would all own a share in their co-operative, and pay to use it in direct proportion to the value of goods they process. Simple and fair. Just how co-operatives should be.

“Genuine Jersey is perfectly placed to step in and support the running of such a service. After all, promoting and selling Jersey Produce is central to their purpose.”

And Mr Macleod has called on Islanders to show their support for local produce to keep Jersey’s agricultural industry alive.

He said: “First and foremost, buy local. Whenever you can. Wherever you can. It might cost a tiny bit more. The cost to our Island of not supporting local is much higher though.

“Regrettably there are a large number of stores that do not support the local growing community. If your favourite store doesn’t stock local produce – tell them. Then tell them again. Until they do. Then buy it. It really is that important.”