A former farmer and senior civil servant who shaped support schemes for the agricultural and marine sectors has joined the team at Jersey Business.
John Vautier (pictured), who has spent over 30 years in the island’s rural economy, has been appointed as a Senior Business Advisor.
While he was the senior lead for the Rural and Marine Economy in the Government of Jersey John, who started his career working on the family farm in Rozel, helped to develop agricultural policy, supporting the introduction of incentive schemes to pay farmers more for growing food for the local market.
Jennie Smith, Head of Business Support at Jersey Business, said: “John brings a wealth of detailed knowledge about the local rural and marine economies which will be hugely beneficial to the businesses we give advice and support to. John was instrumental in helping the agricultural sector through the COVID-19 pandemic and in supporting the sector in its aftermath. That’s been shown by his close involvement in regeneration of the rural economy through the Rural Support Scheme. I’m looking forward to seeing how John’s experience and knowledge will complement the support framework that Jersey Business provides.”
John Vautier commented: “Food security, sustainable farming and fishing and encouraging the next generation of farmers, fishers and rural businesses are vital to our economy and community. I am excited to be joining the team at Jersey Business where I can speak directly to existing and new businesses, all of whom are facing additional pressures such as the rising cost of doing business and difficulties in exporting produce, and in this role I can directly help agricultural, marine and other enterprises grow, be more resilient and improve their productivity.”
