Replies to countryside questions

Q. What are the candidate’s views on Genetically Modified Organisms?

A. I was originally opposed on principle, but after attending last years farming conference and hearing of the impressive benefits in crops, I have become more in favour of it. Better crop yields, disease resistance, reduced use of agrichemicals, and world wide food shortages all seem good reasons why we should be opposed provided proper trials are carried out.

 Q. How do candidates see the future of organic farming in Jersey?

 A. I think it’s very important for reasons of better food quality, to counter the growing obesity from processed food, and to enable new small holdings with sustainable life style for those who choose to. It is hard for those who do, because of the time taken to get certified, In the UK organic produce is worth £1.8 Billion with 5100 organic farms, in Jersey the area of land is  much smaller with just over 2000 organic vergees. The States website does not include a word on support for organic farming, so I can’t see much evidence of any support. In my view this is unsatisfactory and must be rectified.

 Q. If the UK relationship with the EU changes what effects will this have on Jersey, what do candidates think we should be doing by way of contingency planning.

 A. It will effect our whole economy. We have to be researching the present movements of trade and services, the  benefits and the likely effects of a change. I am pleased to hear this is already being done by our expert advisers. I am particulary concerned about financial services where we have to be able to continue to operate world wide without barriers. For agriculture, our products are high quality and I would not expect any barriers affecting our trade with the world to be put in place. We have been required to absorb excessive EU regulation which may be an opportunity to free us of some of this.

 Q.Are the grants regimes for organic farming in Jersey equivalent to the EU?

 A. I searched from Economic Development Minister’s website, and identified that £863K is paid in area payments, £711K dairy quality grants, and £ 320K in Rural Initiative grants showing the present balance of grants. I read the published rules for Rural Initiative grants and for area payments and could find no reference to organic farm grants in either. I don’t know what the Jersey area rate is but I think area payments in the UK may be around £100 per acre. What ever rate it is, there is a case for a higher rate to be paid to organic farms in Jersey.

 Q. What will be the balance between organic and conventional farming under the cross compliance rules set by the EU and States Environment Department under the Rural Development Strategy?

 A. I don’t know these rules, but saw the list of 41 pieces of EU legislation which has been enacted in Jersey and farmers are required to comply with. I also read the codes of practice and guidance set by the department and I found these highly complex and not easy to interpret. This seems a huge overload of costly regulation. I hope it is being implemented sensibly. I can’t see why the balance should change, 2000 vergees of organics is a small area compared with area under conventional farming.

 Q. Are candidates in favour of restoring a scheme of agricultural loans to enable young people to take up farming?

 A. I strongly support restoring this scheme. We should encourage young people and people wishing to take up farm holdings, including small holdings, to go into farming as a way of life from other careers. We must adapt and diversify our economy. The loans should be subject to proper business plans and be assessed by agricultural advisers. 100% yes.  

 

 

 

 

 

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