Agriculture
AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT
Purpose
To supply essential services and advice to the farming industry and to advise the Board and other departments on matters affecting farming.
Based at
Raymond Falla House, St Martins
What does the section do?
The section:
- advises the Department on the implications and effect of agricultural policy and national and international developments in farming, on farm operations, farm viability, animal welfare, animal health, countryside management and the environment
- liaises with the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), other States Departments and farmers on technical matters and implementation of environmental protection and pollution control measures
- liaises with DEFRA, the States Veterinary Officer and interest groups regarding animal welfare developments, infringements and prosecutions and offer expert witness input when required
- provides technical advice to the Department on breed development especially in relation to genetic improvement, artificial insemination and milk recording
- supports and advises farmers, and arrange training, with the aim of improving animal husbandry, business performance and efficiency, and countryside management
The Agriculture and Environment Adviser is Dr Andrew Casebow.
Contact details
andrew.casebow@commerce.gov.gg
Commerce and Employment Department
PO Box 459
Raymond Falla House
Longue Rue
St Martins
Guernsey
GY1 6AF
Tel. +44 (0) 1481 234567
Fax. +44 (0) 1481 235015
ANIMAL HEALTH AND VETERINARY SERVICES
Purpose
To provide the Island with an independent and competent veterinary service and to operate a slaughter and animal disposal facility to agreed standards.
Based at
All Island farms, Home Farm AI Centre, Slaughterhouse, and Animal Carcass Incinerator.
What does the section do?
The principal activities of the States Veterinary Officer are to:
- monitor animal health matters for all animals in the Island and to advise the Department on control and prevention measures
- record the incidence of notifiable animal disease in the Island and take appropriate actions to treat and control of animal disease when detected
- advise on and monitor the Island’s animal health testing procedures to ensure the maintenance of the Island’s disease free status and compliance with international obligations in this regard.
- provide veterinary oversight at the Home Farm AI centre
- oversee the safe and hygienic operation of the Island’s slaughter and animal carcass disposal facilities and to ensure that meat released into the food chain is fit for human consumption
- liaise with farmers and butchers regarding animal health, slaughter and hygiene treatment of meat.
The retained States Veterinary Officer is Chris Bishop MRCVS. Route Isabelle Veterinary Practice.
Contact details
Isabelle Vets Ltd.
Route Isabelle
St Peter Port
Guernsey
GY1 1QR
Tel +44 (0) 1481 723863
Fax. +44 (0) 1481 700012
The principal activities of the Slaughter man and Incinerator Operator are to:
- provide a skilled, hygienic, and humane slaughter and knackering service to Island livestock keepers
- to operate the slaughterhouse and animal carcass incinerator within agreed operating parameters and standards.
Note: The Slaughter man and Incinerator Operator charges the public for all slaughter and knackering services. The States levy charges for the use of slaughterhouse facilities and the incineration of carcasses apart from dairy animals.
Contact details
Tel. +44 (0) 1481 720171
FARM SERVICES
Purpose
To provide milk production data, animal health monitoring and artificial insemination services to the dairy industry.
Based at
Raymond Falla House and the Home Farm AI Centre.
What does the section do?
The principal activities of the section are to
- collect and maintain accurate milk records for all farms, transmitting data to UK based data processing units
- maintain a full Island herd database covering animal performance and genetic merit indicators in support of the Guernsey Global Breeding Plan
- provide artificial insemination services and to manage the Department’s Home Farm AI centre
- provide a range of field services as required such as soil surveys and sampling as required by the Department.
Contact details
Commerce and Employment Department
PO Box 459
Raymond Falla House
Longue Rue
St Martins
Guernsey
GY1 6AF
Tel. +44 (0) 1481 234567
Fax. +44 (0) 1481 235015
Home Farm +44 (0) 1481 256692