MORE can still be done to help growers of local produce, according to Anne Sandwith of Guernsey Organic Growers. She wants to see the States provide more cash to the industry.
Initiatives like those started last month by the Guernsey Growers’ Association which involve labelling produce grown locally with ‘Guernsey grown’ stickers were good, she said, but could be improved upon.
‘Growers and farmers should not have to pay for stickers or any other promotional material. I believe that more encouragement and practical help in promoting local produce should come from the States of Guernsey.
‘I know they are pretty strapped for cash at present, but they should definitely be encouraging and promoting local food production. After all, it means less money going on imported produce, so must be good for the balance of payments.’
Ms Sandwith said the GGA’s attempts at distinguishing locally grown produce were welcome and helpful but it was a slight drawback that the stickers were only available to GGA members. They are also costly at £20 for a roll of 1,000 stickers.
‘It’s not the fault of the GGA, it is only trying to do its bit in the absence of States help.
‘But profit margins are already squeezed and we cannot afford to put them on every single item sold.
‘It was suggested that we just scatter them around on some produce.
‘However, it appears that quite a few growers have complained of the price because I’ve just received a letter from the GGA saying that the next batch will be considerably cheaper.’
St Martin’s grower Dave Gorvel said he was also sceptical about the usefulness of the stickers.
He felt that in a way the GGA was selling its soul to the supermarkets.
‘None of us at the farmers’ market will be putting the labels on because it’s an extra expense.
‘For the supermarkets it’s OK but because the GGA is only doing it for its members, I don’t think it’s a good idea.
‘I have people on the allotments who aren’t members of the association and they are growing locally but they’re not going to pay £30 to join the GGA to get the stickers.’
However, in a positive move, Ms Sandwith said the Channel Islands Co-op had written to all its suppliers encouraging them to use the stickers.
‘They’ve said that if any supplier isn’t already a member of the GGA, they will pay the first year’s subscription of £30 so that the stickers can be obtained.’
Article posted on 9th June, 2008 - 11.30am
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