Sark searches for new dairy farmers

The Sark Community Dairy is looking for new tenants after its current farmers handed in their notice to return to the UK.

The buy-in cost of the business is expected to be about £70,000, which covers the cost of the processing equipment and the Guernsey cows.

Seigneur Christopher Beaumont, trustee of the Sark Dairy Trust, said the dairy was "a turn-key business opportunity for the right person".

He said the new tenants would be needed by the summer.

Jason Salisbury and wife Katharine produced award-winning cheeses during their time in Sark

He said the new tenants would need to be producing 100 litres (176 pints) of milk per day to have a good profit margin.

It could also include the equivalent in cream, butter, cheese, ice creams and yoghurts.

Jason Salisbury and his wife Katharine moved from their Suffolk farm to take over the dairy in October 2019, producing award-winning cheeses during their time in Sark.

The couple said it was time to move back to their family and pass the farm on.

'Enjoy the island life'

Mr Salisbury said: "It was really the idea of setting up the dairy here on Sark and starting it up from scratch, we feel now that we've accomplished that mission."

Mrs Salisbury added: "You can get a lovely work-life balance here.

"The beaches are wonderful so you can explore them everyday. There's a lot of lovely opportunities for the right person to come along and enjoy the island life."

The trustees were initially looking within the Channel Islands for the next tenants and would expand the search within weeks to the UK.