There are fears poor harvests caused by heavy rainfall could cause greater damage to the industry than 2001's devastating foot-and-mouth outbreak.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Lost harvest prompts EU aid calls

However, the picture does not look so bright now following two poor harvests, further depletion in oil production and a drop-off in Iraqi funds, as refugees have by now largely used up their savings.

ECONOMIST: Why President Bashar Assad is feeling cock-a-hoop

In October the Guernsey Farmers' Association announced a fall in milk yields due to sustained wind and rain and poor crop harvests.

BBC: Guernsey organic milk production suspended

Poor grain harvests blamed on the storms have pushed up flour prices, and will partly offset the effects of the sales rise, the spokesman said.

BBC: Goldilocks weather cheers baker

Many use poor-quality seed kept from previous harvests.

ECONOMIST: Insuring crops with a mobile phone