Minutes: 12 March 2025

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 3 and 4 in private.

2. A climate transition for Scottish agriculture:

The Committee took evidence from—

Jonnie Hall, Deputy CEO and Director of Policy, National Farmers Union Scotland;

Pete Ritchie, Director, Nourish Scotland;

Kate Rowell, Chair, Quality Meat Scotland;

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

Neil Wilson, Chair, Food and Agriculture Stakeholders Taskforce.

Tim Eagle declared an interest as an owner of a small farm.

3. A climate transition for Scottish agriculture (In private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard earlier in the meeting.

4. Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill (In private):

The Committee considered its approach to the scrutiny of the Bill at Stage 1. The Committee agreed the schedule of oral evidence sessions. The Committee also agreed to review the evidence heard in private at future meetings.