MSPS to quiz Gove over plans

Uncertainties surrounding agriculture and fisheries in a post-brexit world and how the UK will deliver a “green Brexit” will be on the agenda today when two Holyrood committees question UK Environment Secretary Michael Gove over his proposals for farm and environment policy.

The Scottish Parliament’s environment, climate change and land reform committee and the rural economy committee will take evidence via a video link on Gove’s plans.

MSPS across both committees have also indicat- ed that they will be looking for clarity on funds for agriculture, fisheries and the environment to replace EU funding following Brexit.

Rural economy and connectivity committee convenor Edward Mountain said: “These industries are of huge significance to the rural economy in Scotland and it is essential that we receive clarity on how Brexit will impact them, and to ensure Scotland’s standards and systems are maintained and protected after the UK leaves the EU.

“It is also essential to be clear on the systems of payments in Scotland post common agricultural policy (CAP) in order to support our farmers across the country.” lin an update on the Scottish Government’s performance in paying out current CAP farm support measures – which has seen a new IT system struggle in recent years to meet EU deadlines – rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing yesterday reported that the 95.24 per cent payment rate required by the end of June had been met.

He said this meant that more than £387 million of Pillar 1 payments for the 2017 scheme year had been successfullypaidtoaround 17,150 eligible farmers and crofters ahead of the payment deadline.