Jersey: Calls to cut pesticide use ‘threaten potato industry’

Farmers are warning that the world-famous Jersey potato industry is under threat from calls to cut back on agricultural chemicals to protect the Island’s drinking water supply. Mike Renouard, technical director at the Jersey Royal Company, has today said that the States may need to increase its financial support to farmers so that they can compete with UK growers. His comments come after a report was commissioned by the Jersey Farmers Union in June when high levels of pesticides in the Island water supply forced Jersey Water to close Val de La Mare reservoir for five months. An industry expert is now analysing 14 chemicals used in Jersey to see if they are suitable for use in the Island. Mr Renouard said that potato growers were now reviewing their farming practices. (Source: Jersey Evening Post)