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The Scottish Government proactively review mapping information utilising Aerial Photography, information from Ordinance Survey and data gathered from land inspections as part of the claim validation process. In addition claimants of CAP funding have for a number of years been encouraged to review their land maps and ensure that they are up to date and accurate.

Guidance is available from the Rural Payments and Inspections Division detailing the mapping rules, online facilities are available for farmers to view their maps to ensure their accuracy and we proactively encourage claimants to engage with their local Rural Payments and Inspections offices who are able to provide assistance and guidance in maintaining their mapping information.

The Scottish Government is committed to taking steps to encourage new entrants into the fishing industry. The Government expects to make an announcement about its quota allocation policy in the coming months, which will include new steps to pursue this objective.

The Scottish Government is committed to taking steps to ensure that Scottish fish quota is held only by persons that have an contemporary and positive link to the fishing industry, whether directly or as part of a wider structure of support. The Government expects to make an announcement about its quota allocation policy, in the coming months, which will include new steps to pursue this objective.

The announcement by the HM Treasury does apply to Scotland, and includes all CAP Pillar two schemes under Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP). However, it fails to provide comprehensive, long-term guarantees for any SRDP commitments 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.

Since April 2016 Marine Scotland vessels have sailed with less than the full complement of mariners on three occasions.

8 May 2016 - Cook/Steward absent

30 May2016 - Seaman absent

18 July 2016 - Seaman absent.

In addition, over that same period, there were nine occasions when mariners had to be put ashore during trips for reasons of illness or domestic issues requiring a vessel to operate for a period with less than its full complement of crew. Where possible and practical absent crew are replaced by other suitably qualified mariners.

Marine Scotland vessels, like all UK registered vessels, are operated under the supervision of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). One part of their certifications is a "Safe manning" certificate which lays down the minimum crewing to allow the vessel to navigate safely at sea. As Marine Scotland vessels have specific tasks whilst at sea they generally operate with a higher level of staffing.

Whilst short term crew absences may temporally affect operational capability the vessels are never at sea with less than the staff numbers and grades specified in their respective Safe Manning Certificates.

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.

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.

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.

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.