The Jersey Hospitality Association has teamed up with Genuine Jersey to encourage islanders to buy local produce and eat seasonally.
The initiative, which is part of an economic recovery plan, aims to support businesses following the pandemic by promoting the benefits of buying local over imported goods.
It is estimated that around 90% of Jersey’s food consumption is currently imported – a figure the two groups are aiming to reduce in order to develop a more sustainable and responsible food culture.
‘We have a unique opportunity here to reimagine the way businesses use local resources and how as a community we could be doing more to support our local economy and protect the environment,’ said JHA CEO Simon Soar.
‘Never before has there been this level of support to buy local and it is a momentum that we want to keep going when things return to normal. We hope that people have realised that local produce isn’t a costly alternative and that sometimes paying that little bit extra is worth it if it helps our economy, our businesses and reduces the impact to the environment.’
The recovery plan will encourage people to buy and eat food that’s in season, and the JHA will be asking its members to use seasonal menus and explore what is locally available.
Seasonality charts have been published on the Genuine Jersey website and JHA social media, along with maps of where to buy local fish and hedge veg.
John Garton, Genuine Jersey CEO, said: “It is great news that the JHA recognise that islanders are more interested than ever in tasting the amazing array of local produce which not only supports our producers and local economy but also reduces the island’s carbon footprint. We are very happy to be working closely with them to help their members “Build Back Better.”’
