‘Farmer shortage is global issue’

Friday 30th April 2010, 1:00PM BST.

James Watts, who followed father Ray into farming, said the problem of the island having too few people like him could be resolved if farming paid more. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 0497888)

A SHORTAGE of young farmers is not just a Guernsey problem – it is a global issue, according to one local farmer.

James Watts, who is the spokesman for the Guernsey Farmers Association, followed his father, Ray, into the family business. He said if the industry were more profitable the situation would resolve itself.

‘It was interesting to me. Whatever career choice you make you have to know that it is going to offer a lifestyle that you find acceptable. Obviously there are some benefits to farming but at the end of the day it’s money that pays the bills,’ said Mr Watts.

The number of dairy farmers in the island has dropped from 300, around 65 years ago, to just 18.