Farming and fishing funding boost backed by Jersey States

A total of £3m would need to be found from within departmental budgets to fund the additional expenditure

Jersey's farming and fishing industries are likely to get at least £6.7m in government support in 2024.

Funding would increase in subsequent years by RPI-X, an inflation measure which excludes mortgage interest payments.

A total of 43 states members backed the motion, while one abstained.

The Council of Ministers will now have to amend the 2024-2027 Government Plan which will be subject to a final vote in December.

'Not competing'

Deputy Steve Luce had initially hoped for 1% of all government spending to be directed to the two traditional sectors but came to an agreement with ministers following talks involving industry representatives.

Mr Luce, the former Environment Minister, said that farming and fishing businesses had been struggling with increased costs - including for fuel, fertiliser and wages.

He told politicians that the government had spent £32 per head on the two industries in 2022, while the UK had spent £55 and the EU had spent £118.

He said: "Without the right level of support our own farmers and fishermen are just not competing on a level playing field and this has to be addressed quickly.

"Indeed, if it isn't addressed now, they will not be able to compete ever again.

"Without this commitment we will surely be looking at a different future - one, potentially, without those commercial farmers or fishers."

Mr Luce said the "oldest industries are on a proverbial knife-edge".

Despite supporting the proposals, the Council of Ministers said that £3m would need to be found from within departmental budgets to fund the additional expenditure.

It said that further details would be confirmed ahead of the debate on the Government Plan which is scheduled to be held in the week beginning Monday 11 December.

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