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Jersey's future farmers are being invited to apply for a bursary to study agriculture or horticulture as part of a new scheme launched to mark the Coronation year.
The bursaries, which could cover up to 100% of fees and living expenses, were launched by the Lieutenant-Governor on Wednesday, reflecting King Charles III's "love of farming and the countryside".
Announcing the new funding this week, Vice-Admiral Jerry Kyd said: "His Majesty is very keen on agricultural sustainability, homegrown produce and supporting the farming community in the round.
"Therefore, we are very proud and pleased to be able to offer this support to some Jersey harvesters and Jersey people because we think that, in many ways, the sector can sometimes be forgotten, and it is very much part of the culture and the history and heritage of the island."
Pictured: The bursaries are intended to support the island's agriculture sector.
As well as being intended to show the Crown’s support for these sectors, the bursaries are designed to help improve the Island’s food security and promote the international reputation of the Jersey cow and Jersey Royal potato.
They are available to any Jersey resident, and can be used for programmes ranging from short-term to four-year training programmes. Recipients will be asked to return to the island after their studies. They are expected to be available from September 2024.
Jersey Farmers Union President Peter Le Maistre said that, since he had started farming in 1974, the number of family farms had dwindled from "around 700 or 800 to only 30 or 40".
He added: "I think there is a growing feeling that there are young people out there who might be interested in a career in agriculture."
Meanwhile, Master Farms is also launching an apprenticeship scheme, aimed at a young person who would join them for a year with the option of continued employment or training afterwards.
Islanders interested in a bursary can email hmreceivergeneral@gov.je for further information.
Pictured - top: HM Receiver-General Alan Blair, Vice-Admiral Kyd, President of the Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society Robert Perchard, and Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel.
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