Laurence and Louise Agnès currently rear grass-fed cows and lambs at Douet Farm in Trinity in their spare time, while they work in other jobs.
To enable them to become full-time farmers and to expand the business, they are seeking planning permission for a new three-bedroom farm cottage and office in the Green Zone – where there is a presumption against new developments, and an agricultural shed, including a milking parlour.
They hope to set up a 100-head goat dairy herd and to make products such as cheese on the farm.
The couple, who met through the Jersey Young Farmers Club, say the demand for goat’s milk products is rapidly growing in Jersey, as the meat gains in popularity, as is happening in the UK.
Mr Agnès said: ‘We’re really excited as it’s a great opportunity, both for us and also for Jersey. The vast majority of Islanders who drink goat’s milk at the moment, have no choice but to buy imported milk from the UK.
‘We would be delighted to produce organic, Genuine Jersey goat’s milk and reduce the Island’s reliance on imported goods.’
In the business statement supporting the application, which is published on the Planning pages of the States website, they write: ‘Our research – in conjunction with Jersey Business – indicated the Island’s supermarkets sold goat’s milk and goat’s meat in excess of £200,000 last year. There is clearly a market for goat’s milk and trends suggest that this market is growing.
‘One supermarket reported an 11 per cent increase in sales of goat’s milk products in their Jersey stores alone between 2015 and 2016.’
They also plan to further diversify into free-range egg production and to run their farm according to organic farming methods without the use of agricultural chemicals or fertilisers.
The application has the support of the Genuine Jersey Products Association.
In a letter of support to Planning, the chief executive, John Garton, writes: ‘I am excited to read their plans, which the association fully supports, and I am sure that there is a demand for goat’s milk products among residents and visitors, which is currently only covered by imported products.
‘It is clear that local produce, bought locally, is far better for the economy than the sale of imported goods.’
Douet Farm comprises a block of land of eight fields, covering 30 vergées, in Rue de Guerdain, Trinity, and to the north of Howard Davis Farm. It also includes rented land elsewhere in the parish, which is not part of the application.
Mr and Mrs Agnès founded the farm in 2012 and began selling produce two years later.
