Loans and grants to arable farmers

WQ.196/2018

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE

MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TOURISM, SPORT AND CULTURE BY DEPUTY M.R. HIGGINS OF ST. HELIER

ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 9th OCTOBER 2018

Question

Will the Minister provide members with a table showing the following information in respect of arable farmers?

1. the number of arable farmers in the Island for each of the last five years;
2. the number of such farmers who were given grants or loans in each year, with the amount and purpose of any such grants or loans;
3. in the case of any loans provided, the terms under which they were made (including interest rates and repayment periods); and
4. any other assistance provided by the Department to these farmers during each year.

Answer

(a)

Table shows number of arable farms each year claiming support under Rural Support Scheme.

(b)

Rural Support Scheme Grant Payments to Arable Farmers Policy details as defined in Rural Economy Strategy (RES)

Aim GSA 3

Rural Support Scheme

To incentivise all farms in Jersey to deliver an integrated and sustainable agricultural production model based on world class consumer and customer assurance schemes, in order to increase productivity, reduce the environmental cost of farming and establish Jersey as the first jurisdiction in the world where all farms are LEAF Marque Global Standard accredited.

Policy GSA 3

Rural Support Scheme

A new Rural Support Scheme (RSS) will be introduced and developed over the lifetime of the RES. Tier 1 of the Scheme will employ the Red Tractor audit to ensure all practice is at a basic minimum standard. Tier 2 will provide a higher level of financial support to those businesses who successfully complete the LEAF Marque Assurance Standard. Completion of Tier 2 and a Business Health Check will give access to Tier 3 RIS and CES funding.

RRS Area Payment and Accreditation Standards Payment to Arable Sector 2013-2017

Policy BDP 1

Rural Initiative Scheme (RIS)

The Government of Jersey will reserve RIS funding for businesses entering Tier3 of the Rural Support Scheme (RSS - See Section 2) to invest in training, precision application equipment (fertiliser placement), develop alternative cropping and continue supporting productivity, diversification, energy efficiency and rural innovation.

RIS Payments to Arable Sector 2013-2017

Policy BDP 2

Countryside Enhancement Scheme (CES) (DoE Scheme)

The Government of Jersey should retain an agri-environment programme with elements of the current CES made available via Tier 3 of the Rural Support Scheme, to invest in environmental initiatives and training that will benefit the Island's landscape, habitats and wildlife. Projects will be geographically co-ordinated to provide linkage with other environmental projects in order to add value to the funds allocated.

CES Payments to Arable Sector 2013-2017

(c)

No new agricultural loans have been provided within the last 5 years.

(d)

Please refer to Rural Economy Strategy for information on all other assistance provided by the Department.