22 July 2010
Islanders are being asked for their views on the strategic direction for the Jersey’s rural economy in a white paper jointly launched by the Economic Development and Planning and Environment departments.
They want your views on an updated policy document: the Rural Economy Strategy (RES), which will eventually set the direction for the Island’s rural economy and countryside for the next 5 years and beyond.
The Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Connétable Len Norman, said "I am keen to stress that this white paper document is not the final policy. It’s part of the ongoing consultation process. This white paper has taken account of responses to the green paper, specifically to get Islanders with knowledge, views and ideas on our countryside to contribute to the debate and to influence the shape of the future policy on Jersey’s rural economy.
"As with the green paper, we’ll review every response we receive, before we produce the final Rural Economy Strategy 2011-2015 in the autumn."
The Assistant Minister for Planning and Environment, Deputy Rob Duhamel, said "This is a joint initiative and we want to encourage the right balance between economic stimulation and the preservation of the environmental and cultural heritage in Jersey."
The earlier green paper proposed a balance of support for the industry and keepers of the Island environment, to ensure sustainable development in the countryside. It built on the RES 2005 and broadened its remit to include areas like fisheries, skills development and the need for greater protection for soil and water. It went out for public consultation between 9 March and 20 April. The Rural Economy Strategy 2011-2015 white paper has been written following consideration of the responses.
The consultation opens on Friday 23 July 2010. Officers will be available, by appointment, at Howard Davis Farm to provide more information, answer questions and accept feedback. The deadline for all submissions is Friday 3 September 2010.
Rural Economy Strategy 2011-2015
gov.je