Dairy industry is on the brink
IT IS hardly surprising Minister Kevin Stewart is having problems consulting with the milk retailers. After all, it is the third time this group of hard-working people have had to defend their livelihoods from obliteration by a succession of aggressive ministers of the Commerce and Employment Department.
The milk retailers have had a rough ride.
Numerous reports and reviews over the years have shown the importance of the milk retailers' role within the dairy industry. The industry is comprised of three distinct parts: production (the farmers), manufacture (the dairy) and deliveries (the milk retailers). However, when united, this group has been quaintly described as a 'three-legged stool', making it obvious that if one leg is removed, the stool becomes unfit for purpose.
Time we recognised once and for all the added value to sales that the milk retailers make. Not forgetting the huge social value of regular doorstep deliveries to many elderly residents, perhaps frail and living alone.
Almost 14 years ago to the day, our dairy industry came under scrutiny from the EU. A team visited the island to review the position in EC law of Guernsey in relation to the import ban on milk.
Detailed consideration was given to this matter and we were advised of the potential serious consequences to the industry, and island as a whole, should the milk import ban be lifted. There would be a reduction in the number of cows, a negative impact on our global breeding programme, effects on the biodiversity of the island and threats to our cultural heritage.
We have been warned.
We could perhaps have applied for a derogation based on protecting the Guernsey breed and our biodiversity, but it was decided to carry on as we were, relying on what amounts to a 'gentleman's agreement' between government, small shops, stores and the supermarkets that milk would not be imported.
It was considered at the time that no one wanted to be the one the public would blame if our dairy industry was brought down.
It has been said that our milk law is fragile. Actually, it is our dairy industry that is fragile and vulnerable to attack. One person importing 'foreign' milk could be the thin edge of the wedge and eventually undermine the viability of the whole industry.
That 'gentleman's agreement' has now unfortunately been broken, so the sooner we put in place a robust law to protect our dairy industry, the better it will be for the island as a whole.
Greater protection is required if we, our children, grandchildren and future generations wish to enjoy seeing cows in fields, self-sufficiency in good quality milk and a delicious range of dairy products.
When States members come to debate the future of our dairy industry, they need to take great care as to how they vote. I just hope they will be acutely aware of the consequences of doing anything rash.
Get it wrong and there is no going back. Guernsey will never be the same again.
JANINE LE SAUVAGE,
Meadow View,
Les Hubits de Bas,
St Martin's,
GY4 6NB.
