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The future of rural life in Jersey is being outlined in a new rural economy plan.

The Rural Economy Strategy is designed to help those whose livelihoods depend on the island's countryside to prosper.

The proposals contain 55 policies the States intends to implement between now and 2015.

They aim to encourage the government and local businesses to consider profit, people and the environment.

The States recognise Jersey's traditional agriculture is in decline, with some families leaving the industry.

They want the strategy to deliver both economic and social dividends for the countryside.

It is the result of an island-wide review and consultation, to ensure the needs of people living in the country are met.

The new policy is expected to show a good balance between the needs of the rural community, the government and the people of Jersey.

There will now be an annual conference with people working in agriculture in Jersey, to help the industry remain buoyant and prosperous.

Constable Len Norman, assistant minister for economic development, said competition was positive.

He said: "There is competition in the industry and the economies of scale [are] coming into play.

"We are actually growing more in Jersey now than we have done for many, many years."