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Press Release
FALKLAND ISLANDS FLY THE FLAG AT THE ROYAL SHOW 2003
participating for the fifth consecutive year
17 June 2003


The Falkland Islands stand at this year's Royal Show (June 29 - July 2) will convey advancements in agricultural diversification, display new machine-washable Falklands wool and, more generally, promote life in the Islands today and its attractions as a specialist holiday destination.

Joining Falkland Islands Government Representative Sukey Cameron on the Falklands stand (Block 23 Stand IV) will be Charlene Rowland, the Islands' Organic Inspector. Charlene is attending for the first time to promote organic advancement in the Islands and also to make contact with various organisations present at the show, as part of the ongoing process of updating and developing the Organic sector within the Islands. Since the initiative was launched two years ago, eight farms have converted to EU-approved organic farming methods with a further six in the pipeline.

Also on the stand will be displayed a selection of 100% pure, machine washable Falklands Wool by A&E Knitwear (www.falklandknitwear.com), one of the longest-standing knitwear businesses in the Islands. This new line launched in 2003 and is used by the company to produce a range of garments in the Islands, hand-made by framing on flat knitting machines and also finished by hand. A&E Falkland Knitwear products can be purchased over the internet.

The Islands average annual wool clip is 2,400 tonnes (greasy) with an average fibre diameter of 27 µm. There is high demand from around the world, but the wool is largely sold through wholesalers in the UK. Sheep breeds are predominantly Polwarth and Corriedale.

While wool remains the agricultural mainstay, more farms are developing meat lines following the EU approval of the Sand Bay abattoir in December 2002, permitting exports for the first time. The vast majority of the first season's total production has been sold to the UK, with a proportion of the meat also being sold into the domestic market for the local population and also to supply fishing vessels.

As a direct result of the EU licence, some supplies of meat were also sold, for the first time, to visiting cruise liners - with fresh Falkland Islands' lamb appearing on the menus in a number of cruise ship restaurants as they sailed away from Stanley to their next destination.

The Falkland Islands Development Corporation, Department of Agriculture and the Rural Business Association are working together to improve returns from wool and to develop enterprises that complement wool production.

One year since its launch, the Department of Agriculture reports improvements in farm returns following its initiative, 'The Way Forward', which aims to increase farm profitability through the implementation of enhanced business skills to every facet of farm management.

The Department works in partnership with Queen's University Belfast and the United Kingdom Falkland Islands Trust (www.ukfit.org.uk), on projects related to agricultural development e.g. restoration of tussac grass, development of shelter belts, and use of locally available natural fertilisers.

More information on the Falkland Islands can be obtained from website www.falklandislands.com - or visit the Falkland Islands stand at the show, Stand IV Block 23, the International Village (Grid ref. J13).

Note to Editors:

ENDS


Contacts:

Sam Allanson-Bailey, Falkland Islands Government Office, London Contact tel +44 (0) 20 7222 2542. E-mail admin@falklands.gov.fk




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