Rural Payments and Services

Women and young farmers will play a key role in a national taskforce to advise on simplifications that could be made to the Common Agricultural Policy.

Made up of key experts and industry leaders, the taskforce will advise on possible changes to the way CAP is delivered during the three year period from 2021. This is the period outlined in our Stability and Simplicity consultation during which we intend to introduce practical measures that could simplify rules, reduce complexity and improve public value.

Announcing the taskforce’s membership at AgriScot 2018, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said:

“Following analysis of our recent Stability and Simplicity consultation, there is a clear recognition in the short-term for the need to unwind some of the complexity of CAP and release efficiencies.

“I am particularly pleased that a number of women and young farmers will be at the forefront of this process. They have already demonstrated innovative approaches to farming, which will be key to the industries future success, as we look at how practical changes to our approach could improve customer experience, while also improving public value.

“However, I have been clear that this must be done in a way that does not compromise the control measures that protect the security of our food, the welfare of our animals, our environmental standards, and ultimately our ability to trade on our reputation for quality produce.

“So while there remains a significant amount of work ahead to transition from the framework provided by CAP towards a broader future policy of support for the rural economy, I believe the simplification taskforce will play an important role in shaping that future and I look forward to working with them in the months to come.”

Background

Simplicity and Stability consultation and analysis.

Taskforce members:

Kirstin Williams, SAC

Jennifer Brown, SAC

David Lawrie, Farmer in Fife & SAYFC

Rory Christie, Dairy Farmer

Jonnie Hall, NFUS

Hamish Lean, Shepherd & Wedderburn

Gail Watt, Morton Fraser

Donald McKinnon, Scottish Crofting Federation

Robert Fleming, Beef and Sheep Farmer

Ann Rae McDonald, Farmer

Sion Williams, Buccleuch Estates

Claudia Rowse, SNH