SENDING livestock to Guernsey – or constructing a temporary slaughterhouse – are among the options being investigated by the government after Storm Ciarán devastated Jersey’s abattoir in a “big blow” to farmers.
The abattoir was closed shortly before the storm hit for routine maintenance, but suffered extensive damage to its roof, main structure and equipment.
Repair efforts have also been made more complicated by the presence of asbestos, as this means a deep clean of the building will be needed before the electrics can be fixed.
Infrastructure Minister Tom Binet has said he hopes the facility can be opened by mid-December and that his department is putting “pressure on the contractors to move as quickly as they can”.
Jersey Farmers Union president Peter Le Maistre this week described the setback as a “big blow” for the industry, while Kate Hackett of Brooklands Farm warned that customers seeking local meat products this Christmas would find “nothing” unless the situation changed.
During a Scrutiny hearing yesterday, Deputy Binet said that “lots of alternatives have been investigated”.
This, he explained, included the possible importation and construction of a temporary abattoir – although he said this would be “extremely expensive and time-consuming” – as well as discussions with Guernsey about processing Jersey livestock.
Deputy Binet added that his department was “extremely mindful” of the commercial impact on the Island’s farmers.
David Chamberlain,Guernsey’s States Vet, confirmed that the island was investigating how it might be able to help.
“We, the States Vets, and the abattoir team are keen to help relieve the situation in Jersey,” he said. “We are looking to assist by processing some of their livestock in Guernsey.
“The processing of beef from Jersey is particularly problematic because there have not been any imports of cattle into the Bailiwick of Guernsey for well over 100 years.
“The law preventing the import of cattle was put in place to protect our iconic Guernsey breed of cow.”
However, he noted that, while his team wants “to help our colleagues in Jersey”, they must also ensure that “we don’t set a precedent that could threaten our island breed”.
“I am working with the finest law officers to try to find a solution,” Mr Chamberlain added.
