Farmer doubting diversification

Farmer Mike Cox believes charging would keep people away

A Channel Islands farmer has said he doubts diversification is a realistic alternative way forward for him.

UK farmers are being encouraged to branch out to make farms viable.

They are being urged to open farm shops and charge tourists to keep businesses afloat. Guernsey farmers have already expressed doubts that it would work.

Mike Cox, Alderney's only farmer, said overheads for a farm shop would make it too expensive when people could already buy his produce from local shops.

Farm cheese

Mike Cox said he already sold direct to the public but not from a formal shop. He added people already visited his farm to see how it works and charging them would only keep them away.

However, in Jersey one farmer announced earlier this month he was planning to open a shop selling dairy produce directly to the public.

Darren Quenault, from Manor Farm in St Peter, has sold more than 50% of his herd and plans to make his own cheeses.

Mr Quenault said with the current state of the industry, he was faced with having to make some serious choices.