Popularity of local food prompts farm shop plans

Proposals have been submitted for the overhaul and expansion of a farm shop in St Clement.

The owners of Homefields said the current building was "no longer fit for purpose".

Plans would see a larger floor space created to accommodate a butchery, outdoor area and wider local food offering.

The farm shop's owners said the plans were in response to customers who were "increasingly passionate about seasonal food, provenance, cooking and understanding where their food comes from".

In their planning submission, the owners of Homefields said "the condition and limitations" of the existing shop building "no longer reflects the quality, atmosphere or customer experience" they wanted to provide.

They said the revamp also came in response to customers who were "increasingly passionate" about seasonal food and provenance.

"The new farm shop is intended to respond to that shift while remaining true to the roots of the business," the owners added.

The farm shop's owners said: "The intention has never been to create a polished supermarket-style retail environment.

"Instead, the goal is to create something that feels authentic, relaxed and rooted in the values that have shaped Homefields over many years."

The proposed expansion comes amid a wider push for more local and seasonal produce on the island, including the establishment of the fortnightly Jersey Farmers Market.

It also follows the closure of nearby Home Grown Farm Shop, which cited "not being able to make the best use of its site" as a reason for shutting down.

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