PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT
Support for the presentation of the
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 help 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 Rural Economy Strategy is a joint strategy between Economic Development and Planning and Environment and is endorsed by Ministers from each department.
The Minister is asked to support the presentation of the Rural Economy Strategy 2011-2015 White Paper : Sustaining and Growing the Rural Economy.
Written by: | Director Environmental Management and Rural Economy |
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Approved by: | CEO Planning and Environment |
13 July 2010