Alderney to subsidise fruit and vegetable growers

Alderney has set aside £20,000 to support growers with plots bigger than half an acre

Fruit and vegetable growers in Alderney will soon be able to apply for a government subsidy and grants, the States of Alderney has said.

Alderney's General Services Committee (GSC) will pilot the scheme for one year starting in 2025, and has set aside £20,000.

The grants will be aimed at bringing land back into agricultural use, while a separate subsidy will promote locally-grown produce.

The GSC said the scheme draws on "experiences in neighbouring jurisdictions" and hopes it will "stimulate" the sector and reduce the risks of businesses failing.

It said the scheme will support "existing growers who are already selling produce" as well as people wanting to "reinvigorate unused land".

GSC said the support would only be available to plots larger than half an acre (2,000 sq m) to start with.

It said the pilot scheme will be reviewed after a year to make sure it "represents value for money" and meets its objectives.

Details on how to apply would be released in the new year, it said.