Minutes: 26 April 2023

1. Declaration of interests:

Christine Grahame was invited to declare any relevant interests. Christine Grahame declared an interest as convener of the cross party group on animal welfare.

2. Future agriculture policy:

The Committee took evidence from—

Joe Hind, Policy Manager, Scotland Food & Drink;

Paul Flanagan, Stakeholder Engagement Director, Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board;

Kate Rowell, Chair, Quality Meat Scotland.

3. Petition PE1758: End greyhound racing in Scotland:

The Committee took evidence from—

Mark Bird, Chief Executive Officer and Madeleine Campbell, Independent Director, Greyhound Board of Great Britain ;

Paul Brignal, Owner and Director, Thornton Greyhounds.

4. UK subordinate legislation:

The Committee considered a proposal by the Scottish Government to consent to the UK Government legislating using the powers under the European Union Withdrawal Act in relation to the following UK statutory instrument proposal—

Plant Health and Phytosanitary Conditions (Oak Processionary Moth and Plant Pests) (Amendment) Regulations 2023.

The Committee agreed that the provisions set out in the notification should be included in the UK SI.

5. Future agriculture policy(In Private):

The Committee agreed to consider the evidence it heard at a later meeting.

6. Petition PE1758: End greyhound racing in Scotland(In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier in the meeting.