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Dairy wants public input on its future

Dairy wants public input on its future

Monday 23 December 2019

Dairy wants public input on its future

Monday 23 December 2019


Guernsey Dairy has been looking for public feedback on the importance of the local dairy industry and whether Guernsey milk should continue to be produced in the island.

Island Global Research is carrying out a survey on behalf of Guernsey Dairy on the future of the local industry.

The briefing statement says that: "Guernsey Dairy would like to understand what dairy products and milk alternatives your household consumes, as well as your views on the importance of Guernsey’s dairy industry and the role of Guernsey Dairy."

The short survey asks a number of questions, such as:

  • Whether Guernsey Dairy milk represents good value for money.
  • Whether Guernsey should continue to be self-sufficient in the production of local milk and dairy products in the future.
  • Whether buying locally produced milks essential to the island's traditional and rural landscape.
  • How strongly you feel that Guernsey milk should continue to be produced in the island.

There has been speculation over the future of Guernsey Dairy in recent months. The States-owned utility's bank balance has been depleted by a fifth in the last two years, down from £5million to £4.2million, with milk sales down and the cost of replacing equipment and improving hygiene standards taking a financial toll. 

The President of the States' Trading Supervisory Board, Peter Ferbrache, has questioned the future of the current Dairy site at Bailiff's Road, St Andrew's. One possibility would be several smaller sites in place of the now 68-year-old dairy.

In the company's 2017-2023 business plan, two of the main objectives are to "ensure production is flexible to meet demand, using modern and efficient facilities" and keep "the Guernsey Cow as the sole dairy cattle breed on the island, with a farming sector that is self-sustaining and sole source of the island's milk supply."

Update midday 27/12: The survey appears to have been closed, claiming it is "not accepting additional feedback at this time". 

Pictured top: Guernsey Dairy. 

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