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The recent announcement from HM Treasury provides some reassurance, particularly in relation to the continuation of common agricultural policy (CAP) Pillar 1 funding until the end of the Multiannual Financial Framework in 2020.However, it fails to provide comprehensive, long-term guarantees for any CAP Pillar 2 commitments under the Scottish Rural Development Programme arising after the UK Government’s autumn statement.The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Constitution, Derek Mackay, and I have written to our UK Government counterparts seeking urgent discussions on these matters.

The approach to the greening element of the common agricultural policy(CAP) in Scotland is a matter for Scottish Ministers.

The European Commission has recently published proposals for simplifying the greening measures, and we are currently engaging with key stakeholders to discuss these proposals and to consider if any changes should be made to the greening measures in Scotland.

Scotland remains part of the EU and is required to comply with the greening rules set out in the CAP regulations.

I am engaging in discussions with key stakeholders to emphasise that we are still firmly in the EU and EU funded investment in Scotland continues, and I will be seeking clarity from UK Government on the funding of EU projects following a UK exit from the EU.

The Scottish Government’s priority, following a strong, unequivocal Scottish vote to remain in the EU is to protect Scotland’s interests and we are intent on pursuing all options to protect Scotland’s relationship with the EU, and seeking to negotiate the best way forward for our farmers, crofters, land managers and for Scotland. European funding, such as the Scottish Rural Development Programme funding will clearly be a key part of those negotiations.

Tying direct payments to delivering environmental benefits is currently included as part of the common agricultural policy through the greening element, that requires farmers and crofters to deliver measures beneficial for the climate and the environment.

Farmers and crofters rely, above almost anyone else in Scotland, on EU funding as part of their incomes, which helps them to deliver those environmental benefits and other public goods, and we are actively seeking clarity from UK Government on the provision of funding in the event that Scotland is removed from the EU as part of the UK.

The Scottish Government’s priority, following a strong, unequivocal Scottish vote to remain in the EU is to protect Scotland’s interests, and, we are intent on pursuing all options to protect Scotland’s relationship with the EU, and seeking to negotiate the best way forward for our farmers, crofters and for Scotland.

In 2016-17, the Scottish Government has committed around £11.8 million to tackle all forms of violence against women and girls, which includes over £5.8 million for women's aid services.

This world-leading target, set as part of our making things last circular economy strategy, will require a great deal of co-operative work across all sectors, including retail, industry, farming and householders. We will be working closely with representation from across these areas to ensure that a comprehensive approach is embedded both in Scottish Government policy and in every day practice for those who grow, sell and consume our food. This will build on the range of strong activity we are already undertaking in this area, which includes continuing support for the Courtauld Commitment and the Love Food Hate Waste programme, and two recent national communications campaigns.

The Scottish Government is developing a delivery plan for all crofting manifesto commitments. We will work with crofting stakeholders on this matter, including the Crofting Commission, Registers of Scotland and community landowners.

Crofters have long been concerned at overly complicated and outdated legislation. The Scottish Government intends to modernise crofting law and make it more transparent, understandable and workable in practice, and will do so in the lifetime of this Parliament.

The decision in relation to the timing of a future Crofting Bill will be made in due course, taking into account discussions with stakeholders which are already underway and the other legislative priorities of the Scottish Government.

In line with our manifesto commitment, work is already underway to examine the potential to allow more starter opportunities for farmers and crofters on publicly owned land.

The Scottish Government is currently working on a national development plan for crofting and will publish it in due course.