The Isles of Scilly Biodiversity Audit 2008 - Cornwall Wildlife Trust

Flower and Bulb GrowingScilly is renowned for the quality and technicalcompetence of flower and bulb production. Combinedwith the favourable climate, this allows a start to theflower season very early (in September) and maintainsa six month period of production. Producers are ableto get produce on the market significantly earlier thanmost mainland competitors, provide continuity ofsupply over a longer period and to specialise in theTazetta narcissus. Despite this there are still high labourcosts and the emphasis must be on the production ofhigh quality specialist products. Equally, producersmust develop and maintain close liaison with the keymarket leaders in order to maximise their marketingskills.Highly developed technical skills in bulb and flowerproduction and specialist bulb equipment are the keysto the success of smallholders and tenant farmers inthis sector and these skills need to be enhanced toensure Scilly remains at the forefront of the industry.The presence of the Research and Development Stationat Trenoweth is important in enabling local producersto enhance their skillsAlternative CropsSome smallholders may move to alternative crops,but it is unlikely these crops will completely displaceflowers and bulbs. Livestock farming for meat foranything other than limited “traditional” slaughteringremains uneconomic unless the islands have adedicated abattoir; there remains ongoing debate as tothe viability of this.There are now no bulb farmers on Bryher, only twoon St Agnes, probably only one or two St Martin’s.Several now specialise in scent production; manyfarmers are already moving to alternative crops anddiversifying where possible.Agri-Environmental SchemesThe use of agri-environmental funding can beinflexible and targeted at crops not viable on Scillyand their use is very limited on the islands. The lackof many of these schemes on the islands will havean impact on biodiversity. There is further workunderway to identify ways of incorporating SingleFarm Payments into the agricultural uniqueness of theislands as there would be significant environmentalbenefits to be gained.the Tresco Estate, particularly in the arable margin andhedge habitats.DiversificationThe requirement for smallholders and tenantsto maintain a level of sustainability may lead tothe requirement to diversify outputs outside ofagriculture. The obvious outlet for this would betourism and there is already some move to developnew tourist accommodation to supplement farmincome. This is addressed in the Local Plan.Specific Project for Agriculture on ScillyFarmers have formed a cooperative called the “Groupof 43” and they successfully obtained ObjectiveOne funding for this project. It particularly looksat marketing initiatives (Scent from the Islands andScented Narcissus) as well as reviewing diversificationand the re-establishment of a dedicated abattoir.Local ProduceIn line with a national trend towards buying morelocal produce the AoNB organised a monthly farmers’market throughout the summer. This is part of a movetowards more use of locally produced food within theIsles of Scilly. A local food directory has been set up andmany local restaurants and hotels are moving towardsgreater use of local seafood and farm produce.AbattoirThere is currently no abattoir on Scilly, which limitsthe production of meat on the islands. Plans have beenput forward for an abattoir on St Marys and the Islesof Scilly Wildlife Trust is supportive of this, althoughthe economic viability of such a project remainsan issue. There is potential for the project scopeto be widened into a holistic facility for handling,processing, branding and marketing a range of localproduce. This would have the added advantage ofpromoting agricultural diversification and may attractadditional funding. Furthermore, the widening of therotation on the farmed land by growing foraged crops(for cattle feed) would enhance soil fertility and benefitthe narcissus crop by lessening the impact of pests anddiseases.Natural England has submitted a Special Project statusfor the islands; this is currently under consideration.This status will allow some bids for both Entry andHigher level Stewardship to receive favourableconsideration in view of the unique environmentalheritage of the islands. Higher Level Stewardship(HLS) is being pursued by some tenant farmers and byIsles of Scilly biodiversity audit Page 80