A call for the States of Guernsey to give a clear message to growers over the ruling governing the employment to workers from overseas was made at the general meeting of the Guernsey Growers’ Association.
This came after one member of the meeting revealed that he had experienced problems with some of his foreign workers during 2005.
It was suggested that some workers brought to the island to perform specific jobs, were switching to other employment, including joining supermarket staffs. President Dave Miller promised to look into the matter.
Tony Priaulx, an experienced grower, sparked off a debate by calling for more discussions between growers in a bid to highlight the problems facing the industry. “We have heard over the years of opportunities, but we have not been told what they are. Could not a business manager be employed to deal with inquiries involving horticulture and to seize opportunities?” he asked.
The president retorted that the association had been examining all types of crops, which might be suitable for Guernsey, but he reminded the meeting that there was a lot of old glass, which could no longer be used successfully.
“There is a need to re-invest in the industry,” he added. He also said that in the past there had been crops grown which might have been more successful with improved management and marketing.
Although Miller wondered if growers would support a special meeting to discuss the present situation, as they had not done in the past, he was prepared to organise such. At the start of the meeting Miller warned that competition was growing significantly in Asia, and Africa and a good quality standard was emerging. In addition growers were facing increased costs, and members of the public were spending more cash on goods other then horticultural produce.
Looking closely at the Guernsey scene, he said that he could remember when there were 2,800 horticultural businesses in the island, but now there are probably less than 100.
There were some bright spots, such as young plant production. The association’s membership was decreasing rapidly and the Committee was looking a the future role of the association. He emphasised that the GGA would continue to exist, but perhaps in a different form, it might be involved with other organisations, but there to help the industry.
Although he stressed the need to save some horticultural sites for outside interests wanting to use them, he did not feel this could continue way into the future.
Most of the debate was centred during the “any other business” section of the meeting, and among other topics mentioned were the strict rules demanded by the States Health and Safety Department whereby employees were restricted in cleaning down the exterior of glasshouses with the necessary safety equipment being employed.
The future of the GGA horticultural insurance scheme was also discussed in view of the falling membership.
Finally, the president assured all growers that no changes would be made in the present make-up of the association without full consultation with the industry. He reiterated his belief that he was certain the GGA would continue to exist in some form, with the aim of supporting the industry into the future.
“This is the best annual meeting I have had since I took office, with plenty of debate and ideas,” concluded.
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