In brief: The Jersey Farming Conference returns on 5 November at La Mare Wine Estate, bringing together farmers, industry leaders and government to share knowledge and celebrate recent successes. The event is free to attend and is also available online, organised by Farm Jersey with government funding.
Sowing the Seeds at La Mare
If you have ever wondered what Jersey’s farming community gets up to when it is not producing the island’s famous Royal potatoes, wonder no more. The Jersey Farming Conference, held at La Mare Wine Estate on Thursday 5 November, is open to all businesses and individuals with an interest in the rural economy, with an online option available for those who prefer their agriculture at arm’s length.
John Garton, head of Farm Jersey, set the tone in a statement to Bailiwick Express: “This year’s conference is an opportunity for farmers, industry leaders and government to celebrate recent successes, share knowledge and explore how we can continue to work to build a productive, resilient and sustainable agricultural sector for future generations.”
That is not the language of an industry in crisis. By all accounts, Jersey’s farming sector is in a notably optimistic mood, with recent investment, innovation and entrepreneurialism among island farmers having increased profits, diversified production and created new opportunities across the rural economy.
Precision, Resilience and Regeneration
The conference agenda reflects the practical, forward-looking spirit of modern farming. Attendees can expect farmers to share hard-won lessons on three broad themes:
- Precision farming: the use of precision equipment and data-driven crop management to improve yields and efficiency.
- Resilience building: approaches to water and soil management that help farms withstand the pressures of a changing climate.
- Regenerative practices: farming methods that actively improve biodiversity, rather than simply minimising damage to it.
These are not abstract concepts dreamed up in a government office. They represent the lived experience of Jersey farmers who have already put them into practice, and the conference format, peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, is arguably the most effective way to spread good ideas across a small island community.
Who Is Behind It
The event is organised by Farm Jersey and receives funding from the government. Sponsors include Jersey Water and insurance specialists Hepburns. In a pleasing touch of local colour, the lunch, made from locally sourced produce, is sponsored by Normans Agri-Garden. Attendance is free, and registration is available through the conference website.
Source: Bailiwick Express
