Guernsey's horticultural industry will continue to change and probably at a quicker pace throughout next year.

This is the prediction of David Miller, president of the Guernsey Growers' Association (GGA), writing in his annual report.

"As with any change, some of it can be painful and as a preference we would rather that it didn't occur. Nevertheless the indications now are that the growing industry of today is willing and capable of responding to and facing up to the challenges that change brings,” he wrote.

Miller revealed that the production of plants and cuttings is now the major sector of the industry in value of exports and earnings. It is also the main area where capital investment is being made. Also increasing in value is the postal flower sector. The president stressed that the GGA has served the growing industry for 110 years and wishes to continue well into the future.

The "change" theme is continued by the new president of the Committee for Horticulture, Douzenier Bill Robilliard, who stated that with the coming of 2004 and the Committee for Horticulture is replaced by the Commerce and Employment Department, it will be important that the industry has a strong and positive public image and is perceived as being businesslike, open, objective and willing to make progress in partnership with the States. Not relying on its support, but appreciating and taking advantage of the opportunities for joint funding of those activities, which aim to develop stronger, better-equipped and more knowledgeable businesses for the future.

Finally, Martyn Langlois manager/director of Channel Express (CI) Ltd, pinpointed the changes which have taken place within the distribution of Guernsey flowers to UK outlets. His company still undertakes direct deliveries from Guernsey to a number of major wholesale markets, but Cargoflora Ltd based in Hayes, Middlesex, now undertakes many of the deliveries to wholesale markets.

Despite this and other freight-handling changes at Portsmouth, Langlois believes that with determination the horticultural industry in the Channel Islands can be revitalised.

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