Guernsey exports values rise

Exports of horticultural products from Guernsey reached £49.5 million in 2009 compared to £48.4m in 2008 and £47.3m in 2007.

The figures have just been released in the States Commerce and Employment Department's horticultural industry's report for 2008.

The number of horticultural businesses continues to reduce, standing at 79 in 2008, with a loss of 11 businesses in 2007.

A study of other statistics show clearly how some sectors of the industry have advanced in value, while considerable declines have occurred in others.

Despite stiff competition for the industry, the report says it is encouraging that more than 58 per cent of businesses forecast an increase or no change in their businesses. Six per cent did not respond and 22 per cent forecast a decrease.

Cut flower exports took a dip in 2008, with just 31,869 boxes sent with Channel Express, and the export peak came in the 1990s when nearly one million boxes were sent.

Despite an expected value of £840,000 for 2009, this now represents less than two per cent of the total industry export value.

The edible sector, which comprises such crops as tomatoes and peppers, has shown an increase of £3.71m in 2008 and is expected to increase to £3.77m in 2009. Local sales to supermarkets have increased by 7.6 per cent

The total area of glasshouses now stands at 136 hectares, while the area for cut flowers continues to fall - down to 21.4ha in 2008.

Although the plant production sector is the greatest contributor to export values, it occupied only 10 hectares of glass in 2008. The area for edible crops under glass slightly fell to 26ha in 2008.

During 2008, the industry employed 339 full-time equivalent posts - an increase of 37 persons compared with 2007.