A MINISTERIAL clash is brewing ahead of this week’s debate over how far the government should go in guaranteeing long-term support for Jersey’s farming and fishing sectors.
Treasury Minister Deputy Elaine Millar is pushing back against plans by three fellow ministers to lock in funding “in perpetuity”, warning it risks undermining financial discipline.
Deputy Millar has lodged an amendment to a proposal from Economic Development Minister Deputy Kirsten Morel – backed by Environment Minister Steve Luce and Health Minister Tom Binet – which seeks to guarantee current levels of support “in perpetuity”.
Backed by Environment Minister Steve Luce and Health Minister Tom Binet, Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel has put forward a proposition to ensure that previously approved financial support for farming and fishing – which last year totalled £7.3 million, as well as living wage transition funding of £1.1 million via the Better Business Support Package – continues annually and is adjusted in line with inflation.
This includes assistance available as part of the Agricultural Loans Scheme, which was re-established following a proposition from Deputy Steve Luce in 2023.
At the time, Deputy Luce warned that “two of Jersey’s oldest and most traditional industries are under threat as never before”.
If the support is able to continue, Deputy Morel argues that Jersey will benefit from “reduced food miles, enhanced food security, the availability of Genuine Jersey products, contributions to culture and heritage, and direct fiscal returns”.
“The proposition is therefore not simply a matter of financial assistance but of securing the long‑term sustainability of two industries that remain integral to Jersey’s economy and identity,” he said.
But Deputy Millar is seeking to strip out elements of the package and ensure future funding decisions remain tied to the annual Budget process.
Her amendment would remove the Better Business Support funding from the proposal and instead limit the Agricultural Loans Scheme to funding based on demand and the resources available.
In a strongly worded report, she warned: “No sector of the economy, however vital, should be guaranteed perpetual public funding outside the democratic oversight of each annual Budget debate.”
She added that locking in funding indefinitely would “place an obligation on Government spending without identifying recurrent funding sources”.
Deputy Millar argued that while agriculture and fisheries are strategically important, “this is not the right way to make this kind of financial decision”, insisting spending must be weighed against competing priorities.
