Rural Economy Strategy 2011-2015 White Paper: Sustaining and Growing the Rural Economy

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A decision made 19 July 2010 regarding: Rural Economy Strategy 2011-2015 White Paper: Sustaining and Growing the Rural Economy.

Decision Reference: MD-E-2010-0125
Decision Summary Title :	Rural Economy Strategy 2011-2015 White Paper: Sustaining and Growing the Rural Economy.			Date of Decision Summary:	15/07/10
Decision Summary Author:	Research Officer			Decision Summary: Public or Exempt? (If Exempt state clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written			Person Giving Oral Report:	n/a
Written Report Title:	Rural Economy Strategy 2011-2015 White Paper: Sustaining and Growing the Rural Economy.			Date of Written Report:	13 July 2010
Written Report Author:	Director, Environmental Management and Rural Economy.			Written Report : Public or Exempt? (If Exempt State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public

Subject: Rural Economy Strategy 2011-2015 White Paper: Sustaining and Growing the Rural Economy.
Decision(s): The Minister approved the document the Rural Economy Strategy 2011-2015 White Paper: Sustaining and Growing the Rural Economy, for public consultation to run from Friday 23 July – Friday 3 September 2010.
Reason(s) for decision: The Green Paper consultation is now closed and responses have been considered.
Resource Implications: None.
Action required: Commence public consultation process. Request the Greffier to present a copy to the States Assembly as an ‘R’ at the earliest opportunity.
Signature: SENATOR ALAN MACLEAN		Position: Minister for Economic Development
Date Signed:			Date of Decision:

Rural Economy Strategy 2011-2015 White Paper: Sustaining and Growing the Rural Economy

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Commencement of public consultation on

Rural Economy Strategy 2011-2015 White Paper):

Sustaining and Growing the Rural Economy

13 July 2010

Purpose of the Report

The current Rural Economy Strategy (RES) is a five-year strategy. It is designed to grow the rural economy in line with the objectives of the States Strategic Plan, whilst safeguarding Jersey’s countryside, its character and the environment. The RES recognises that economic sustainability of the rural sector depends on also providing positive environmental and social benefits.

The current RES was adopted until 31 December 2010 and specified that the strategy would be reviewed, to gauge if desired outcomes had been achieved and if the current policies are adequate and appropriate, with the objective of bringing forward a new five-year RES for 2011 to 2015. This process will include the production of both Green and White Papers for consultation and will ensure that the changing needs and requirements of the Island’s rural economy are reflected and accommodated from 2011 onwards.

Background

The States of Jersey, adopting a proposition of the Economic Development Committee, referred to their Act dated 7th July 2004, in which they approved the Fiscal Strategy and agreed that a target for economic growth of 2% per annum should be set for the period 2005 to 2009. The Economic Development Committee was requested, in conjunction with other Committees as necessary, to bring forward, for approval by the States, a strategy for the delivery of this growth by February 2005; and referred to the 2005-2010 States Strategic Plan Objective 1.2.3 To develop a strategy which will explore and promote new opportunities for the rural economy, Objective 4.1.3 To protect and promote Jersey’s environment as one of its most important assets, and Objective 1.3.1 To reduce unnecessary regulation and bureaucracy in the Island.

The resulting five year Rural Economy Strategy 2005 is now up for review.

The Rural Economy Strategy Issues and Options Green Paper, with its triple bottom line of profit, people and environment, proposed a balance of support to the industry and keepers of our Island environment, to ensure sustainable development in the countryside. It built on the RES 2005 and has broadened the remit of the strategy to include areas not previously addressed: e.g. consideration of fisheries issues, the importance of skills development and the need for greater protection for soil and water. The Green Paper went out for public consultation between 9 March and 20 April.

Following consideration of the responses to the Green Paper consultation, which included comments from members of the public and the rural sector, we have formulated the Rural Economy Strategy 2011-2015 White Paper.

Recommendation

The Minister is asked to commence public consultation on the Rural Economy Strategy 2011-2015 White Paper: Sustaining and Growing the Rural Economy .

Written by:	Director Environmental Management and Rural Economy

Approved by:	CEO Economic Development

13 July 2010