THE Jersey Fishermen’s Association (JFA) has become a member of Genuine Jersey, enabling all of its 55 commercial fishing members to use the Genuine Jersey mark on their locally caught wet fish and shellfish, which will make it easier for residents and visitors to the island to identify and buy their catch.
Founded in 1955, the JFA was set up to act as the voice of the local commercial fishing fleet.
Local businesses have really suffered during the Covid-19 lockdown, especially local fishermen. Genuine Jersey is eager to help JFA Members to raise their profile and drive sales. Local fishermen have been hit hard by prolonged winter gales, export restrictions due to Covid-19, uncertainty throughout the ongoing Granville Bay Treaty review and not forgetting Brexit is still on the horizon.
The JFA members will now be permitted and encouraged to use the Genuine Jersey mark on all of their catch. Retailers and restauranteurs who source wet fish and shellfish caught by JFA members will also be able to display the Genuine Jersey mark on their fish counters and menu.
Don Thompson, from the JFA, said: ‘It’s been a difficult time for the local fishing fleet during Covid-19, not forgetting the winter storms, uncertainties over the Granville Bay Treaty and Brexit. We appreciate the support of Islanders now more than ever in supporting local fishermen and buying local produce. We hope that by joining Genuine Jersey, islanders will find it easier to locate and buy genuinely local fish and shellfish rather than imported fish, which will in turn be reinvested into our Island economy.’
