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.