Richard Smith, of Laugée Farm, in Grande Route de Mont á l’Abbé, wants to convert from conventional agricultural practices to organic, but he needs premises that meet modern standards.
In a letter supporting the proposal, Jersey Dairy managing director Eamon Fenlon writes: ‘The Jersey cow and its special milk are a unique and a vital part of Jersey’s cultural identity.
‘To continue its protected position in the Island, it is critical that we are able to meet the consumer demand for a full range of milk varieties, including organic.’
The dairy takes milk from 20 suppliers but only one, St Saviour Constable Sadie Le Sueur-Rennard, is organic.
Organic cows are fed a diet free from artificial additives, chemicals and genetically modified ingredients, and the routine use of antibiotics is banned. The land they graze on must also be chemical free.
Mr Fenlon’s letter says a second organic herd would not only help to meet an increase in demand since the Island’s only independent dairy, Classic Herd, dropped its organic status, but having two producers would also add greater security of supply.
