Marcus Calvani of La Cantina hopes that a move announced this week by farmers to plug the gap in supplies of local vegetables with the impending closure of Amal-Grow will lead to regular year-round supplies – and encourage more chefs to use local produce.
- Cauliflower
- Celeriac
- Chicory
- Jerusalem artichoke
- Kale
- Leeks
- Parsnips
- Purple sprouting broccoli
- Salsify
- Shallots
- Spinach
- Spring onions
- Swede
‘We are ten years behind the UK when it comes to provenance and local food products, it is a real shame. We must change to attract agro- and gastro-tourism,’ he said.
A key reason why 90 per cent of food served to diners comes from elsewhere, he added, is because chefs cannot rely on a constant supply of fresh seasonal local vegetables.
Amal-Grow announced last month that it intended to close in July with the potential loss of 49 jobs.
Trinity farmer Charlie Gallichan of Woodside Farms is leading the rescue bid, which will include local farmers working in partnership to provide produce in Jersey and Guernsey, including via the supermarkets.
While Mr Calvani says he can source local beef, pork, veal, seafood and staple vegetable items at all times – and occasionally speciality crops, a regular supply of a wider range of fresh vegetables chefs require does not exist.
‘Sourcing a constant supply of local fresh vegetables is the biggest problem.
‘It would be our dream to have a list of vegetables available throughout the 12 months that are grown here all year round,’ he said.
Director of Jersey Pottery Restaurants Dominic Jones is also supporting the farmers’ rescue bid.
‘Any initiative to ensure the supply of good quality local produce is something that will be welcome and certainly we do that. Anything that will broaden the range of local produce is good for us, good for the Island and good for our customers,’ he said.
However, he added, it must be good quality and the right produce, and they would appreciate more niche crops.
‘Our customers, and no doubt those of other restaurants in the Island, are very demanding so we need the consistency of supply,’ he said.
Channel Island food retailer Sandpiper has joined the Co-op and Waitrose in lending its support to the farmers.
The business includes Checkers Express and Iceland supermarkets.
In a statement it said: ‘We have always been a major buyer of local produce and Amal-Grow was one of our suppliers.
‘While disappointed to see the closure of one local supplier, we look forward to supporting other local farmers and growers, particularly if they’re able to co-ordinate the supply requirements of local consumers.’
