Chamber and committees

We are currently givingconsideration to the mechanisms which might allow us to deliver this commitment.

The Scottish Governmentfully recognises the vital role that the fishing industry plays in the local economyof many communities in Scotland including Eyemouth and the Berwickshire coastline.Local economic importance is one of the possible criteria when considering the areasfor fisheries dependent area status within the EU Fisheries Fund programme.

I recognise the importanceof the fishing industry in Eyemouth and Eastern Berwickshire. I will of course be making the strongest possible caseat the forthcoming international fisheries negotiations to protect the vital catchingopportunities for Scotland’s fishing fleet. Aid to the fisheries sector will alsobe available through the European Fisheries Fund programme. A draft operationalprogramme will be published for public consultation in the near future and I encourageall in the Eyemouth and Berwickshire area with a fisheries interest to engage withthe Scottish Government in delivering this important European funded assistancescheme. I shall also be placing fishing communities at the heart of our fisheriespolicies and practices and will be convening in early 2008 a convention on the howbest to safeguard their future.

The Scottish Governmentis firmly committed to treating the Scottish fishing industry as a priority, notonly safeguarding its future, but ensuring that it thrives. We are taking actionon many fronts to ensure that our fisheries are both profitable and sustainable.Actions include:

developing a greaterrole and influence for Scotland in European fisheries policies,

leading the way infisheries conservation measures, such as real time closures, to protect vulnerablecod stocks;

developing InshoreFisheries Groups to manage local fisheries, putting the interests of stakeholdersat the heart of decision making;

establishing a ScottishFisheries Council which will provide a comprehensive consultative and advisory body,comprising fishermen and other marine stakeholders, and

ensuring that forthe first tome the interests of fishing communities are at the heart of our policiesand actions.

I believe that ourlong association with, and commitment to, fishing communities makes this ScottishGovernment uniquely placed to promote fisheries in Scotland, the UK and Europe.

There is no legalbasis for extending agreements under these schemes which expire in 2007. However,participants in these schemes whose agreements are expiring in 2007 will have theopportunity to enter into Rural Development Contracts under the new Scotland RuralDevelopment Programme which we expect to secure EU approval later this year. Theannual payments for agreements expiring in 2007 is estimated to be (a) £3.75million (for Rural Stewardship), (b) £1 million (for Environmentally Sensitive Areas)and (c) £160,000 (for Organic Aid).

I am advised on foodlabelling by the Food Standards Agency. The existing country of origin labellingrequirements are currently being considered as part of a wider review of food labellingby the EC. The agency is also preparing to consult on a revised version of its guidanceon country of origin labelling.

This is a matter forpublic sector agencies and no information is held centrally by the Scottish Government.

We are working withthose responsible for public procurement to ensure factors such as seasonality,freshness and methods of production are included in tender specifications.

The Scottish Governmentis committed to helping attract crews and skippers of the future into the Scottishfishing industry and we will consult the industry formally on proposals in the NewYear with the aim of reducing barriers to entry.

In the context of the current review of quota management arrangements, work is underway to look ata range of possible options including a national quota reserve for new entrants,how such quota could be gathered from a range of sources and how it might be distributed.Importantly also, we will look at what conditions would have to be put in placeto guard against abuse of any arrangements.

I will also be askingthe Scottish Sea Fisheries Council to consider and recommend how new crew memberscan be encouraged into the industry.

The recently launchednew industry leadership body, Scotland Food and Drink, will take on a significantrole in bringing together Scotland’s producers and manufacturers to enable all ofScotland’s food industry to better market Scottish food at locally and internationally,capitalising on the excellent reputation we have for high quality produce.