THERE are market opportunities for Island growers of organic fruit produce, according to a study commissioned by the Jersey Organic Association.

The survey, which was funded from the Ecology Fund, was completed for the association by local researcher Mark Forskitt.

It addresses the question as to whether there is scope for Jersey to grow more fruit and vegetables organically.

There are three conclusions: There is a real dearth of local organic fruit production.

There may be good reasons for this, but there does appear to be market opportunities for local growers.

Some vegetables are imported into the Island at times when it would be possible to sell local produce, such as maincrop potatoes, carrots, broccoli and onions.

Some vegetable crops appear to be grown in limited quantities locally, including spinach, cauli-flower and cabbage.

Regardless of the import situation, there might also be scope to increase local production and sales of these crops.