ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Presentation of the
Rural Economy Strategy 2011-2015:
Sustaining and Growing the Rural Economy
11 January 2011
Purpose of the Report
To request the approval and presentation of the report: Rural Economy Strategy (RES) 2011-2015 to the States.
Background
The States of Jersey, adopting a proposition of the Economic Development Committee, referred to their Act dated 7 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, was adopted until 31 December 2010 and specified that the strategy would be reviewed, to gauge if desired policy outcomes had been achieved and to consider new challenges and emergent issues, with the objective of bringing forward a new five-year RES for 2011 to 2015.
This review process has included the production of both Green and White Papers for broad public consultation, ensuring that the changing needs and requirements of Islanders and the Island’s rural economy are reflected and accommodated from 2011 onwards.
The consultation process has been very usefully supplemented by the Rural Economy Strategy Scrutiny Sub-Panel, chaired by the Deputy of Grouville, which presented its report to the States on 14 October 2010 and which welcomed much of the strategy. The subsequent formal response from the Economic Development Minister, agreed to all but one of the 36 recommendations contained within the report, the exception being a recommendation relating to Jersey’s relationship with the European Union, which was felt to be more appropriately placed with the Chief Minister’s Department. The Deputy of Grouville has agreed that it would be appropriate to present the new strategy to the States as a report.
The Rural Economy Strategy 2011-2015 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. As such, the new strategy promotes sustainable development, recognising that economic sustainability of the rural sector depends on also providing positive environmental and social benefits.
Recommendation
The Minister is asked to approve the report: Rural Economy Strategy 2011-2015: Sustaining and Growing the Rural Economy and notify the States of his decision.
Written by: | Director Environmental Management and Rural Economy |
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Approved by: | CEO Economic Development |
11 January 2011