THE GREAT EXHIBITION

Despite the unseasonable rain, an exhibition of the best of Jersey food, farming, and environmental responsibility was a hit with Royals and non-Royal visitors alike

The rain, when it came down for the march past, was almost biblical in its ferocity. So very sad for the youngsters – apart from anyone else – who got drenched in the downpour. A musician of the Band of the Island of Jersey remarked afterwards that in all his years of marching with the band, he had never been quite so wet. Airing cupboards must have been very full around the Island, that evening.

Fortunately, the Royal tour of the Best of Jersey exhibition in Liberation Square, took place in a non-rainy spell between the showers. A chance for the King and the Queen to meet Genuine Jersey members, their products – and, of course, the seven heifers that have been given to the King, and will soon be on their way to Highgrove.

First stop for the King and Queen was  the wild flower hub, which has been established at Samarès Manor. Jean Drydale was on hand to explain that the Manor had been approached in 2020 by the Government of Jersey’s Natural Environment Department to grow plants in situ from native Jersey wildflower seed, collected from the wilds of Jersey by the Botanical Section of the Société Jersiaise, then grown and the seed harvested by the Samarès Manor  volunteers. It is the only place in Jersey where local native Jersey Wildflower seed can be purchased to avoid importing non-native invasive species.

Before 2020 only non-native seed was purchased off the Island, increasing the risk of importing invasive plant species and of course plants as pollinators.

The volunteers have collected over 100 species of pure native Jersey wildflower seed, which is held in a seed bank. A choice selection of seed and plug plants are now available for purchase by land owners and members of the public  – on sale in the shop at Samarès Manor.

Representatives from the Jersey Beekeepers Association were on hand to explain about the ‘Bee Field’ –  a base for educational and outreach programmes for Island bee keepers, schools and colleges and the people of Jersey.

The Jersey Royal export industry was represented by the Albert Bartlett Company, with their stand in front of an impressive mural in which a côtil near Mont Orgueil ‘merged’ into the exhibition stand.

Then came the Magnificent Seven – the heifers now on their way to be sent to Highgrove to the King’s private Jersey herd. The Home Farm at Highgrove  for the King – they will be his personal animals.  The Home Farm at Highgrove is run by his tenant, Henry Gay. Mr Gay visited the Island earlier this year to choose the heifers.

Phil Le Maistre of Masterfarms, one of the donors of the animals, commented on the bloodlines of the pedigree animals, the oldest of which goes back to 1879; one of them has an ancestry going back 33 generations. The King has one Jersey cow at the moment at Highgrove, but a herd of Ayrshires – so this will boost the Jersey presence!

Paul Houzé, the president of the Royal Jersey Society, was happy that he did not get wet during the downpour later in the afternoon. Why was he not wet?  Because he was at the Pomme d’Or, at the Royal tea party. Asked what the King had to say when he sat down at their table, he replied: ‘He wanted to know about agriculture. he was interested in the partnership between Overseas Aid and our African project, helping subsistence farmers in African states by improving their cattle with Jersey breed genetics. He seemed very knowledgeable.’

All the exhibitors – agriculture, fisheries, or environmental – were delighted when the King or Queen stopped to talk to them. they were interested to know what Jersey was doing to reduce its carbon footprint, and how it was dealing with the ‘climate emergency’ and climate change.’

At 4Hire, Adrian de Gruchy told the King that his company was one of the first few companies to bring in HVO diesel fuel (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), a fossil-free paraffinic diesel, meaning it can be used as a direct replacement for mineral diesel fuel, and produces 90% less carbon emissions.  

‘We also do eco-active driver training, do lots of more eco-friendly ways of doing things, which is why we were invited to come along and assist at the exhibition.’

Alastair Christie, senior scientific officer – invasive species at the Department of the Environment, told the King about the battle against Asian hornets.

‘Numbers are well down this year,’ he said. ‘Nest numbers are down as well. 51 so far this year, compared to jus under 70 last year. The weather had a lot to do with it – it has been so very wet. Also, we haven’t had much in the way of easterly winds -and that has really helped us. We’ve dodged a bit of a bullet on that one.’

Last word to Phil Le Maistre: ‘We should do this exhibition every year, as a celebration of Jersey’ farming, produce and countryside.’

He added: ‘When the band started up, all the heifers came to the fence, ears pricked forward, listening… they seemed to enjoy the music!’…