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UK: Debate over public funding for cultivation kicks off

It wasn't just potato farmers who took notice when earlier this month the government announced a £10 million agricultural loans scheme for the first time since 2003. Jersey Royals may be the Island's most famous export, but its newest agricultural industry is arguably cannabis. Should hemp farmers be allowed to access public money under the scheme?

Deputy Philip Ozouf says no, and is seeking to amend the 2025 Budget to ensure that these loans are not accessible "for any purposes relating to the cultivation of cannabis in Jersey".

Deputy Hilary Jeune, meanwhile, hopes to alter that amendment to allow hemp growers to continue dipping into the pot of taxpayer money.

The clash comes a week after Health Minister Tom Binet criticized the previous States Assembly for legalizing medicinal cannabis without putting in place the necessary regulatory frameworks.

Read more at Jersey Evening Post

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