A STATES scrutiny panel heard the arguments for and against the importation of bull semen yesterday.
Next month States Members are to debate the proposal to overturn a 220-year ban on cattle imports. The Council of Ministers wants to allow semen imports from non-Island Jersey cows for the dairy industry as well as semen from other breeds of cattle for the beef industry.
The Corporate Services Scrutiny panel, chaired by Deputy Patrick Ryan, heard evidence all day from industry experts yesterday before a public meeting tonight.
Jersey Dairy was among those who argued yesterday that unless semen was imported to improve yields and quality then the industry would be in real danger of not being able to compete effectively in future.
But a group of younger farmers led by Darren Quénault, who has invested in his own milk processing plant, argued that yields from Island-based cows were good and there was already massive over-production of milk.
*Picture: RJAHS president Stephen Le Feuvre, vice-president Ricky Leith, council member responsible for genetic improvement Paul Houzé and chief executive officer of the RJAHS James Godfrey at yesterday’s hearing
