Minutes: 19 February 2025

1. Declaration of interests:

Evelyn Tweed was invited to declare any relevant interests. Evelyn Tweed said that she had no interests to declare.

2. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 7 in private.

3. Future agriculture policy:

The Committee took evidence from—

Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, supported by Andrew Crawley, Lawyer, James Muldoon, Head of Agriculture Support Policy Development Unit, Amanda Callaghan, Deputy Director Agriculture and Land Transition and Iain Carmichael, Head of Agricultural Development, Scottish Government.

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

4. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee took evidence on the Rural Support (Improvement) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2025 (SSI 2025/draft) from—

Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, supported by Andrew Crawley, Lawyer, James Muldoon, Head of Agriculture Support Policy Development Unit, Amanda Callaghan, Deputy Director Agriculture and Land Transition and Iain Carmichael, Head of Agricultural Development, Scottish Government.

5. Subordinate legislation:

Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity moved—

S6M-15912—That the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee recommends that the Rural Support (Improvement) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2025 be approved.

6. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee considered the following negative instrument—

Little Loch Broom Scallops Several Fishery (Variation) Order 2025 (SSI 2025/7)

7. Future agriculture policy (In private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier in the meeting.