The Guernsey Growers' Association (GGA) could cease operations within the next two or three years.

It has enough cash in hand to keep going for this period but the organisation, which has served growers for 115 years, no longer has enough members to generate sufficient income.

GGA president Alan Dorey said that the committee will be meeting soon to discuss the future of the association.

The GGA has played a major part in helping the tomato and flower industry, as well as a number of other crops, in developing and flourishing.

This was particularly the case following the end to the German occupation of the island from 1940 to 1945, when the refurbishment of glasshouses was vitally important.

Guernsey has seen a notable reduction in horticultural firms, with now only a small number of firms engaged in the production of specialist crops.

Dorey said there are now only 60 hectares of glass in commercial use. However, he emphasises that the demand for young plant material continues to be very strong from the UK nurseries and garden centres due to the current rate of exchange.

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