Returns for the 2003 Economic and Statistics Survey of Guernsey's horticultural industry show an increase in the value of exported produce of eight per cent to just over £47 million.

This figure compares with an export value of £39 million in 2000. John Ogier, economic and strategic adviser, Board of Industry, says that while there has been an increase in the value of exports, there has been a decrease in both the number of horticultural businesses and also the overall area of glass used for horticultural production.

"This indicates that while significant sectors of the industry are less profitable, there are areas of improving profitability and turnover involving specialist sectors such as young plant sales", he states.

John Ogier adds that overall there can be some cause for optimism and it is certain that there will be ongoing transition and change in the industry.

Increasing value of exports is being generated by specialised investment from companies with a strong customer and market focus proving to be the driving force in increasing returns.

Details being released from the Committee for Horticulture show, as expected, a reduction in the value of the cut-flower sector, but an increase in the value of the plant production and postal flowers sectors.

There has been a 13 per cent drop in the number of businesses to 162, and a reduction in the horticultural area under glass to 179ha.

There seems no doubt, that the success achieved in the value of exports has been largely due to the establishment of large businesses on the island with well developed markets in the UK and in certain cases beyond.

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