Minutes: 15 March 2023

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 5 in private.

2. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee took evidence on the Alcoholic Beverages, Fruit and Vegetables (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2023 from—

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, supported by Kevin Matheson, Policy Manager, Food and Drink Industry Growth Team and James Hamilton, Lawyer, Scottish Government .

3. Subordinate legislation:

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, moved—

S6M-07704—That the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee recommends that the Alcoholic Beverages, Fruit and Vegetables (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2023 be approved.

The motion was agreed to.

4. Future agriculture policy:

The Committee took evidence from—

Ross Lilley, Head of Natural Resource Management and Professor Des Thompson, Principal Adviser on Biodiversity and Science, NatureScot.

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

The Committee considered an approach paper.

6. Future agriculture policy (In Private):

The Committee considered evidence it heard earlier in the meeting.