Funding for 2026
We're providing more funding for the rural economy to support the economic, environmental and social sustainability of the sector.
Our support is available to local farm businesses.
The scheme is similar to the financial support available in other jurisdictions near us.
The RSS is open for applications from January 2026 until September 2026. Credits will be awarded to each farm business for activities undertaken in 2025.
Credits for new operations will be based on realistic forecasts for 2026.
How to qualify
To qualify for the 2026 Rural Support Scheme, you must be either registered as a bona fide agriculturalist or a smallholder (a part time or small scale agriculturalist).
Participation in either LEAF Marque and/or Organic Standards are required to access the scheme. Applicants must also be up to date with tax and social security obligations, or on an agreed payment plan.
Registered as a bonafide agriculturalist
This means that you're involved in land-based primary production and getting income from agriculture or horticulture which meets a target level of economic activity of £40,000 per year.
Smallholder (a part time or small scale agriculturalist)
You would need to actively participate in land-based production and meet a reduced level of economic activity as compared with a bona fide agriculturalist. This is currently £5,000 total gross margin per year.
You can find more information in the Agricultural Land (Control of Sales and Leases) (Jersey) Law 1974.
How agricultural land is controlled
If you think you qualify and are one of the above categories but are not registered with us, email ruraleconomy@gov.je Applying for funding and deadline
For 2026, applications will be managed through the Farm Jersey portal.
To apply, complete and return:
- RSS Agricultural Return for 2025
- Land declaration spreadsheet for 2025 (or 2026 for new applicants)
- Accounts or financial declaration for 2025 signed by your accountant
Farm Jersey Portal
We calculate your funding for 2026 based on your data from 2025.
How we'll deliver the RSS
In 2026 the RSS will continue to be delivered in 4 tiers:
- Tier 1 rewards accreditation under independently audited quality schemes and integrated farm management plans
- Tier 2 recognises decoupled production and provides credits for livestock headage and land use and for people who work in the rural economy
- Tier 3 comprises a range of support measures in recognition of economic, environmental and social attainments which include rural initiatives, local produce recognition and landscape (environmental) management
- Tier 4 provides grant support for projects undertaken by each enterprise, with a maximum available fund calculated using the amount of ‘credits’ awarded under Tiers 1 to 3 of the scheme
The RSS is open for applications from January 2026 until September 2026, and as a result credits will be awarded to each farm business for activities undertaken in 2025. Credits for new operations will be based on realistic forecasts for 2026.
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