Earlier this year Woodside Farms in Trinity launched a rescue bid to keep Island supermarkets supplied with local vegetables from a number of farms following the closure of major supplier Amal-Grow.
And next week it will meet its first target of keeping all three Island food retailers supplied, when it adds SandpiperCI to its customer list. It has been supplying the Co-op and Waitrose in both islands since the beginning of last month.
Charlie Gallichan, who runs the family business and launched the new operation following a combined States loan/grant totalling £450,000, said he was pleased the business had met its objective of supplying the three chains within six months, but added that there was much more work to be done.
‘It has been a challenge but we’re feeling positive, even though there is a mountain of work to get everything as we want it as the business grows and develops. The more things we get right the more opportunities will be created,’ he said.
The size of his workforce depends on the growing seasons, which have peak and low points in terms of manpower requirements.
Since filling the gap in the market left by Amal-Grow, his workforce has varied from 70 to 130 – compared to 40 to 100 during the same periods last year.
‘We have got some key managerial jobs we’re currently advertising for and we will probably be looking to employ another 50 people next year,’ he said.
As more farmers come on board, he says there could be new jobs created on other farms which supply the operation.
Mr Gallichan announced his plans in February after Amal-Grow said they would cease trading in July. He secured the support of fellow farmers, and Environment Minister Steve Luce, before asking the States for funding.
In June, Economic Development agreed to release £450,000 in a combined grant/loan package spread over three years from the Rural Initiative Scheme, leaving him to make up the £2.8 million shortfall.
‘It has been a big stretch financially to do this,’ Mr Gallichan said. ‘If you are putting in £2.8 million, and receiving £450,000, then you are putting in a big investment of finance by yourself.’
Deputy Luce said Woodside was the only farm that made a serious effort to replace Amal-Grow and their vision for the future was very compelling.
‘We will now have local produce sold not only in Jersey supermarkets, but Guernsey as well, and also new export initiatives to the UK for sale in their multiples. Farming in Jersey is not getting any easier and I will be doing all I can to maintain and diversify the industry,’ he said.
Eight weeks into their new relationship with Woodside, the Co-op’s chief commercial officer, Jim Plumley, said the society was very pleased with the way it was progressing.
‘We are very happy with availability and the continuity of products they have been able to provide during this transitional period,’ he said.
