With the Scottish Government’s Agriculture Bill expected in the second half of 2023, the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee has agreed to undertake some pre-legislative scrutiny of future agriculture policy. The purpose of this scrutiny is to understand what farmers, crofters and food producers need from future agriculture policy.
The Scottish Government’s proposals are centred on replacing the common agricultural policy (CAP) payment scheme. This new agriculture support framework is intended to support farmers and crofters in delivering a number of key outcomes in—
The Committee will hear the views of farmers, crofters, stakeholder organisations and academics on the proposals through a programme of evidence sessions, roundtables and farm visits up to summer recess.
Further information about the Scottish Government’s proposals for future agriculture policy is set out in this consultation paper.
Further information about the proposed new agriculture support framework is available in this agricultural reform route map.
A record of all the committee meetings can be found here