Dairy farmers welcome government funding promise

Dairy farmer Josh Dorey said the funding promise made him feel more optimistic about the future of Guernsey farming

Guernsey's dairy farmers have welcomed a planned funding boost from the States.

The Committee for Environment and Infrastructure (E&I) has agreed to bring forward proposals to increase the dairy farm support scheme budget from about £1m to £2.35m by 2026.

Guernsey Farmers' Association president Michael Bray said the investment would "help to protect the industry for the next generation".

Dairy farmer Josh Dorey said rising costs in recent years had driven profitability down "so it's really important we've got this increase in subsidy".

Guernsey Farmers' Association president Michael Bray said the funding would allow farmers to carry out the government's environmental policies

The 31-year-old farms 200 cows and about 100 young stock at La Petite Croute Farm in the Castel - the largest dairy farm in Guernsey.

He said: "The funding makes me feel more optimistic about the future of Guernsey farming, especially for me as a younger farmer.

"The strong support we've had from the States Assembly makes me feel quite positive for the future."

Mr Bray thanked deputies for their recognition of farmers' work "protecting our island's heritage, local breed and countryside environment".

He said the funding would allow farmers to carry out the government's environmental policies.