Chamber and committees

When speaking to people who have an interest in the bill—as you will also do—whether they are farmers or other people, we find that they are expressing a critical and urgent need for detail within the rural support plan, because it will underpin some of their future decisions.

I want to ask you another question. Who decides the strategic priorities, and how do you come to that point? I do not think I am popping into the next question, am I? Would you mind answering that? Who decides the strategic priorities? For farmers who are tuning in right now and wondering how their future is going to be decided, who is deciding the strategic priorities? Do we have any influence in ensuring that they are widened, perhaps? If we do not agree with them or farmers do not agree with them, how do they influence that?

Before 2026. Would it be before the bill becomes an act?

Do you think that Scotland’s future support system will be significantly different from that of the rest of the UK? If so, what implications might that have, such as disruption to UK competition?

It is really important to play out those potential consequences. How do you do that, as Government officials?

I completely understand that. In a business situation, though, one would consider doing a SWOT analysis—examining the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. For clarity, could you foresee potential consequences by taking a different approach to a payments system? I entirely agree with having such a system, because it is about responding to the local needs of Scotland’s farmers, which is within devolved competence. However, if I were to take a sensible approach, because of competition I would examine not only the potential consequences but the advantages of one system over another. Obviously, that is not something that we want to see; instead, we want a seamless supply chain that will allow farmers to be competitive. Do you see where I am coming from?

We have not really covered the part of the bill that deals with animal health and welfare standards and requirements. We have so much to cover, and consideration of that subject always seems to be an afterthought. The British Veterinary Association’s response to the consultation said that the relationship between vets and farmers is absolutely integral. Its ask of the Scottish Government is to allow the veterinary sector to play a part in shaping the bill, and it seems as though it is disappointed so far that the part that it could play has not been considered. Might you consider that?

What was the thinking behind the Scottish Government choosing a five-year duration for the rural support plan?

I accept your comment about people making decisions more quickly than or differently from how they predicted, but that is only because of supply and demand in the market or the price fluctuation that we see when the price of store cattle rises, for example.

You mentioned livestock, but I want to move on to when the rural support plan will be laid before Parliament. The route map suggests that the plan will be produced before the transition commences. Will you give us a bit more detail on that?

Let us be clear about the parliamentary role in the scrutiny of the aspect of the rural support plan that we are talking about right now. What opportunity do we get?

On Jim Fairlie’s point, what is the total pot? What do you want 17 per cent of in order to achieve your vision for agriculture? What is your goal?