Buying fruit and veg direct from farms is cheaper than getting it at the supermarket – and it tastes better, the Minister for Environment, Agriculture and Fisheries said as she urged Islanders to support local growers.
“People say it’s not affordable,” said Senator Le Hegarat. “I disagree. I have and do buy local produce from the farms, and it is cheaper than it is in the supermarket. If you buy direct, it is cheaper than it is in the supermarket. I challenge anybody to say that it’s actually dearer.”
She added: “I’d like to see more people buying local food. This is one of my passions, and it drives my husband mad because I literally make him drive around the countryside every weekend, seeking out local produce and local food.”
Farmers markets had shown the demands for local produce, she said, adding that they also encouraged people to eat seasonally, which was good for the environment.
“The other element for me, and this is one of my biggest bones of contention, is everything that’s imported is wrapped in plastic,” the minister said. “Everything is in plastic.
“But more importantly, I would also say our produce is far better quality. It hasn’t been picked three days prior to when it’s going to be eaten.”
Christine Helio, of Manor Farm in St Ouen, said that it was so important that the Island grew its own food – and that it was bought and consumed by Islanders.
She said that she didn’t think people realised where their food came from, and the food miles it took to get it to Jersey.
“Last year, we grew onions,” she said. “When our onions were finished, the people we supplied had to get them from New Zealand.
‘We have to support our local farmers. You know where your food is coming from, it last longer and it tastes better.”
She added: “I think supermarkets should be encouraged to buy local where they can.”
