16 October 2009
Statistics that provide the latest information about agriculture and horticultural crops grown in Jersey, plus livestock numbers, export quantities and values are published today (15 October 2009).
The statistics published by the Environmental Management and Rural Economy section at Howard Davis Farm show that the area of early Jersey Royal potatoes has increased for the first time since 2004. 14,845 vergées were grown in 2008 compared with 12,721 in 2007.
While the area increased, the quantity of exports including autumn earlies decreased from 32,316 tonnes to 28,706 tonnes. This reduced yield was due to the impact the weather had on the crop. It was either drier than the long term average (February) or wetter (January, March and May). Frosts also had a major impact, burning off the tops and reducing subsequent yields.
Tomato exports have continued to decline, down from 2,941 tonnes in 2007 to 2,273 tonnes in 2008, a fall of 23%. The area grown under glass is down from 121,855 m2 to 110,857 m2, a drop of 9% in the same period.
These statistics reflected the continued difficult trading conditions for this sector. In November 2007 oil prices were about $96 a barrel and reached a peak of over $147 a barrel in July 2008. This, along with static returns from the UK retailers and other higher production costs, saw practically the end of Jersey’s protected tomato and pepper exports.
The total number of cows and heifers in milk has fallen from 3,571 in 2007 to 3050 in 2008, with milk sales through Jersey Dairy falling from 13.3 million litres to 11.8 million litres. Milk yields per cow were up slightly.
The numbers of poultry and sheep were up compared with 2007 (17% and 28% respectively) though pig numbers were down by 26% at 615.
Commenting on the revised agricultural statistics, Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Connétable Len Norman said, ”These statistics are used in the formulation of policy and help identify the impact of policy changes. This is particularly important because the Rural Economy Strategy is being reviewed in 2009 / 10 with a new policy to be implemented in 2011.”
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Notes to Editors:
1) Returns are made under the Agricultural Returns (Jersey) Law 1947 which is a Law to facilitate the preparation of statistics relating to agriculture in Jersey.
2) Other points of interest for the 5 year period 2004 to 2008 are:
Outdoor Vegetables
• Other vegetable exports have risen from £1,104,749 in 2004 to £1,211,888 in 2008.
Protected Cropping
• The total area of glass has declined from 385,464 m2 in 2004 to 344,887 m2 in 2008.
• The area of glass no longer cropped rose from 31,543 m2 in 2004 to 57,303 m2 in 2008.
• The area of polythene tunnels fell from 213,808 m2 to 205,119 m2 a 4% fall.
Livestock and Dairy
• The total number of cattle was down on the 2004 figure at 5092 a fall of 249.
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