The export value of horticultural products from Guernsey is expected to reach £48.1 million this year, compared to £46m last year and £46.91m in 2006.

However, some sectors continue to face stiff competition from other producing areas across the world.

The figures, from a horticultural and statistical report from the Commerce and Employment Department of the States of Guernsey, showed that in 2007 there was a healthy increase in the value of plant exports to £37.7m. This compares to £34.9m in 2006.

It is forecast that the export value for this year will reach £39m - a figure that would represent 81 per cent of the total export value of the horticultural industry.

The plant sector is formed by two groups of companies - one involved in the propagating of high-value young plants for export to final producers and the other formed by the seed and young plant fulfilment firms.

Other sectors of the industry show a reduction in the production of crops exported and with it a fall in the number of people employed in growing.

In 2007, the industry employed 302 full-time equivalent posts - a reduction of 119 full-time equivalent posts compared to 2006. This reduction coincides with the closing down of horticultural businesses. In 1976 2,432 horticultural businesses were in existence, but by 2007 only 93 were left - ten having closed in 2006.

The total value of flowers by post has decreased to £4.18m last year. During that period, 325,985 boxes were exported and a further decrease to some 318 boxes is expected this year. Furthermore, in an increasingly competitive market, the average box price is expected to fall below £14.

Continuing to drop are the cut flowers sent to the retail markets in the UK. Just 41,738 boxes were exported through Channel Express last year. This compares to just under a million boxes in the 1990s. Both roses and carnations have seen what the report describes as “dramatic reductions” as growers retire or switch to other crops. Cut flowers now represent less than two per cent of the total industry export value.

The edible sector has now settled down to a small number of specialist growers who are producing high-quality niche crops to multiple outlets. The export value increased slightly to £3.39m last year and there has been an increase in local sales to supermarkets.

The area devoted to the production of cut flowers continues to fall down to 23.2 hectares, the total area of glasshouses being 142ha. Although the plant production sector is the greatest contributor to the export value, it occupies only 11.4ha of glass.

Despite a challenging competitive environment for horticulture, the report states it is encouraging that more than 50 per cent of businesses forecast an increase or no change in their business turnover. Seventeen per cent did not respond, and 19 per cent forecast a decrease.

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