Crofting
Interim Pack inquiry findings and the Crofting Reform bill
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- Monday, 28 June 2010 14:20 Tamsin Morris Hits: 376
The Brian Pack inquiry into future support for agriculture in Scotland published their short-term findings at the Highland Show, whilst the Crofting Reform bill moves towards its stage 3 debate in Parliament.
The Pack findings include a recommendation not to move away from the current system for allocating Single Farm Payments, but to begin preparations for a new system to be developed once the state of the Common Agricultural Policy post 2013 is known. They've also suggested that minimum stocking density guidance should be produced so that under-grazed land can be more easily identified - this is due to concerns about owners of un-used agricultural land (so-called 'slipper farmers') claiming farming subsidies. There are also some recommendations on how to support and encourage new entrants into the farming system. The full report from the inquiry is expected later in 2010, but you can read these short-term findings here.
Meanwhile, the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill goes for its third stage debate in July. The Scottish Parliamentary Information Centre (SPICe) have produced a briefing which looks at the main changes in the bill as its gone through the parliamentary process - you can download a copy of the briefing here.
