Sustainable Food

Recent food scares such as BSE and bird flu have highlighted some of the problems associated with the industrial production of food. There is also growing awareness of food miles; the distance food is transported, Fair Trade; the conditions people work in and more subtle issues like embodied water; water used to grow crops for export in countries where water is a very scare resource. Recently Peak Oil has moved onto the radar. What would happen if an energy crisis meant Jersey could no longer import the majority of food stuffs?

Jersey is blessed with a mild climate and a strong agricultural history. There is growing interest in organic farming, Slow Food and a direct relationship with the grower. Growers are learning that their only means of survival is diversification and the production of quality products on a small scale. Farm shops are thriving and best of all Jersey has the road side stall!

Growing your own can be an enormous pleasure as well as saving you money. Even a balcony can be used to produce tomatoes and herbs that are expensive to buy. At the other end of the scale there is forest gardening including productive trees. Jersey has Men of the Trees to provide support and guidance.

If you don't have time there are an increasing number of local organic producers you can support, some are detailed below; our shopping section has more information.

Local organic producers

The Jersey Organic Association: (telephone 880761)

  • Farm Fresh Organics: La Bienvenue Farm, La Grande Route de St Laurence, JE2 1GZ. Telephone 861773. Both local and imported vegetables and fruit can be purchased from the road-side stall. A delivery box scheme is also available.
  • The Organic Shop: 68 Stopford Road, St Helier. Telephone 789322. Local and imported fruit and veg are sold here, as well as many other organic products and health foods.
  • Vers Les Monts Organic Farm: La Rue de la Presse, St Peter, JE3 7FE. Telephone 481573, or 07797798104. There is a vegetable box scheme as well as a road side stall which sells vegetables and eggs.
  • Vermont Farm: La Rue du Coin, St Brelade. Telephone 742383 or 07797719114. The farm comprises of a farm shop which sells fruit, vegetables and eggs.