Who is eligible and how to apply
You must be approved and registered as either a Smallholder or a bona fide agricultural business before you can occupy restricted agricultural land in Jersey.
To apply, you must submit:
- an application form
- a full business plan
- a 3 year cashflow forecast
To request a copy of the application form, email ruraleconomy@gov.je.
Smallholder
A Smallholder is a person or business that is actively involved in landbased primary production.
Registered Smallholders can occupy up to 20 vergées of restricted agricultural land.
Restricted agricultural land is land that has passed through Court after 1974 and is subject to a “restricted agricultural use” condition. Only recognised and approved agricultural businesses can occupy it permanently.
Around 60% of Jersey’s agricultural land is restricted.
You can find more information on How agricultural land is controlled.
To keep Smallholder status, your business must reach an annual gross margin of £5,000 within 3 years.
Gross margin is your enterprise output (turnover) minus variable costs (for example, purchased feed, veterinary fees, seeds and fertilisers).
It does not include fixed costs such as rent, labour or machinery.
Income assessment may include value in kind.
Bona fide agricultural business
A bona fide agricultural business (BFAB) is an entity engaged in landbased primary production. To be recognised as a BFAB, the business must achieve an annual gross margin of more than £40,000 from agriculture or horticulture.
A BFAB can occupy an unlimited amount of restricted agricultural land.
Keeping approved status
To keep approved status as a Smallholder or BFAB, you must:
- submit an annual return under the Agricultural Returns (Jersey) Laws 1947 and 1958
- provide financial trading accounts each year to show you meet the gross margin requirement
If you do not meet these conditions, your approval may be withdrawn and you may lose the right to occupy restricted agricultural land.
gov.je