Chamber and committees

This type of information is not readily available across the public sector. The Scottish Government however does lead by example by recording the quantity of Scottish sourced produce used in its catering contract, which, in many cases is 100% Scottish sourced.

This type of information is not readily available across the public sector. The Scottish Government however does lead by example by recording the quantity of Scottish sourced produce used in its catering contract, which, in many cases is 100% Scottish sourced.

Use of Scottish sourced food within the public sector varies depending on the food type and sector. The Scottish Government leads by example in its catering contract and has significantly increased the quantity of Scottish sourced produce to 100% in many cases. Through Scotland''s National Food and Drink policy we have also committed to raising awareness of the origin of food supplied through public sector contracts.

Support measures for new entrants to farming under 40 years of age is available under the Rural Priorities element of the Scotland Rural Development Programme, established in 2008.

The Setting up young farmers “ interest rate relief option under Rural Priorities provides specific support for young farmers in providing interest rate relief on loans to develop a farming business. The option has recently been revised to include provision for a one-off establishment grant.

For certain other options, young farmers may also claim an additional 10% grant. It is not possible to provide a detailed breakdown of this additional funding using current reporting systems.

Full details of the options available are on the Rural Priorities website:

www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Farmingrural/SRDP/RuralPriorities.

The following table sets out the levels of uptake of the interest rate relief option.

Year	Applications	Approved	Approved Value
2008	8	8	£164,580
2009	16	11	£234,576
2010	8	7	£168,873
Total	32	26	£568,029

 

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-34432 on 18 June 2010. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

There are 7,500 hectares approved for planting in 2010-11, and we expect that figure to increase, aided by the significant improvements we have made to the rates of grant available through the SRDP and by streamlining administration. In addition, Forestry Commission Scotland''s (FCS) repositioning programme will facilitate more planting (around 1,000 hectares) on the national forest estate, while a pilot scheme being developed by FCS to lease land from farmers also aims to increase planting levels.

The approved planting is distributed throughout Scotland. The main regions are Highland and Dumfries and Galloway; significant amounts are also planned for Borders, Grampian and Argyll.

The new woodland planting will be funded through the Scottish Rural Development Programme and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

Scottish Government and UK Government officials are in regular contact on a wide range of matters relating to policy on the natural environment and we would expect to be involved in discussions about any new policy developments affecting Scottish interests. We understand that the scope and content of the proposed UK Government white paper on nature are still to be decided.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-33575 on 26 May 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.