Minutes: 01 March 2023

1. Future agriculture policy:

The Committee took evidence from—

Jackie McCreery, Chair, Dairy Sector Climate Change Group;

Andy McGowan, Chair, Scottish Pig Industry Leadership Group;

Andrew Moir, Chair, Arable Climate Change Group;

Claire Simonetta, Member, Hill, Upland and Crofting Group;

Jim Walker CBE, Chair, Suckler Beef Climate Group Programme Board;

and then from—

Chris Stark, Chief Executive and Indra Thillainathan, Senior Analyst for Agriculture & Land Use, Climate Change Committee

Edward Mountain declared an interest as a member of a family farming partnership, employing three people full-time. Edward Mountain also declared an interest as a farmer of 40 years who runs a pedigree Simmental beef herd and grows barley and vegetables, farming on land that he both owns and is a tenant of. Edward Mountain also declared an interest as someone in receipt of agricultural subsidies, including the Single Farm Payment, Less Favoured Area Support Scheme and Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme. 

2. 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 proposals—

Sea Fisheries (Amendment) Regulations 2023; and
Welfare of Animals (Transport) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2023 

The Committee agreed that the provisions set out in the notifications should be included in the UK SIs.

3. Future agriculture policy(In Private):

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