A GOVERNMENT scheme which provides financial support to the agriculture sector has been expanded to cover the increase in fuel costs as a result of the war in the Middle East.
The Rural Support Scheme provides funding for the agricultural sector and local farm businesses and is designed to strengthen food security, foster innovation, and help preserve Jersey’s agricultural heritage.
As a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, prices of petrol and diesel have spiked leading to increased costs for farmers.
However, in a letter to Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel, Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel said that the scheme was being expanded to “cover the difference in fuel costs for affected businesses”.
He said: “The Emergencies Council has put in place a response plan and has established cells to lead on potential impacts, including on supply chains and the cost of living.
“Alongside the Minister for the Environment, I have written to local energy suppliers to ensure that the Emergencies Council is provided with up-to-date information on energy supply chains and energy prices. We have asked that any price adjustments are clearly and quickly communicated to the public and to the Jersey Consumer Council who we have asked to monitor fuel prices.”
Deputy Morel added that he has commissioned work within his own department to analyse the impact of rising fuel prices on each sector of the economy, and how “mitigating measures” may be put in place.
“My officers will be working with their respective industry organisations such as the Jersey Chamber of Commerce or Jersey Farmers Union to ensure that live issues can be dealt with quickly as they emerge,” he added.
Kate Hackett from Brooklands Farm said the Rural Support Scheme had been incredibly helpful to the industry.
“Everyone thinks that farmers make so much money – they really don’t. Our feed bill alone is astronomical,” she said. “That’s our biggest expenditure really.
“We would be lost without the funding. It’s really beneficial, and I would be absolutely devastated if it went. The past four years, we’re now actually seeing a little bit of profit, which is great. That is down to also the scheme as well.”
