JERSEY farms have lost ‘around 200 workers’ in the past five years – partially because of increased mechanisation – according to the president of the Jersey Farmers’ Union.
Peter Le Maistre spoke shortly after the latest bulletins from the 2021 census were published by Statistics Jersey, which included information about employment levels in the Island.
Among the results noted by chief statistician Ian Cope was the 43% decrease in agricultural employees – although he stressed that the Covid-19 restrictions in place at the time of the Census would probably have influenced the results.
Mr Le Maistre said he felt the figure was ‘too high’.
‘In the last five years we have probably lost around 200 workers on farms,’ he added, explaining that this was partially due to automation and investment in machinery to ‘improve productivity’.
‘Industries have got to improve productivity to stay competitive and small savings are important with increasing costs.’
Earlier this year, Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel said he hoped the government would take forward the Economic Framework for the Rural Environment, offering increased financial aid for Jersey farmers.
Deputy Morel, who was an assistant minister when the 63-page document – designed to help manage the way government support is directed across the sector – was published, said it was a ‘huge step forward’.
Mr Le Maistre said: ‘I think the good thing about Kirsten is that he bothered to dig deep and find out what was going on in the industry.
‘He understands that there is more to agriculture than just GDP – it is an intrinsic part of the Island.’
