Guernsey Dairy Farmers Applaud New Funding Initiative

Guernsey's dairy farmers have expressed gratitude for a recently announced funding increase from the States, promising significant financial support for the local dairy industry.

The Committee for Environment and Infrastructure has laid out plans to elevate the budget for the dairy farm support scheme from approximately £1 million to £2.35 million by the year 2026. This move aims to provide a substantial economic cushion for local farmers against rising operational costs and to ensure the viability of the dairy industry for future generations.

Michael Bray, president of the Guernsey Farmers’ Association, applauded the investment, noting its critical role in safeguarding the industry's sustainability and advancing environmental policies. Dairy farmer Josh Dorey echoed this sentiment, highlighting how heightened expenses in recent years have compressed profit margins, making the upcoming subsidies a welcome relief.

Josh Dorey, who manages La Petite Croute Farm in Castel – the island's largest dairy farm – noted the strong support from the States Assembly as a positive indicator for the future of farming in Guernsey. This encouragement, he says, underscores the government's acknowledgment of local farmers' contributions to preserving the island's heritage and ecological ethos.

The measure is anticipated to not only stabilize farm operations but also to empower agricultural stakeholders to embrace governmental environmental initiatives effectively.