Seòmar agus comataidhean

EU funding for the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) is fixed at ‚¬679 million for the programme period 2007-13. The Scottish Government has flexibility to deploy that funding across the SRDP, subject to EU rules on minimum spending levels on the various axes of the Programme. These are: 10% for Axis 1 improving the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sectors; 25% for Axis 2 improving the environment and the countryside; 10% for Axis 3 quality of life in rural areas and diversification of the rural economy, and, 5% for Axis 4 LEADER. Funding for the low-carbon, low-energy, locally marketed food production is delivered through the SRDP.

My officials are in regular contact with European Union officials regarding sheep EID and keep me fully informed of these discussions. I requested a meeting in July with Commissioner Vassiliou prior to the Standing Committee on Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH) but she was unavailable.

The Scotland Rural Development Programme under Rural Priorities offers farm businesses funding to diversify into alternative forms of agricultural production including energy crops, and a specific option to plant short rotation coppice crops for similar purpose.

This is to help them develop more sustainable businesses by responding to changing market demands and taking advantage of new market opportunities.

To attract support, a farmer has to show that the project will contribute towards agreed regional priorities established to aid delivery of key strategic outcomes, including adaptation to mitigate climate change and protection of biodiversity.

The promotional and marketing activity of bodies such as Quality Meat Scotland, which is part funded by the EU, ensures iconic brands such as Scotch beef retain their premium status and contribute to providing a sustainable future for livestock production in Scotland. The Scottish Government would not therefore be in favour of the complete withdrawal of such funding by the EU.

As part of implementing the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Health Check, the Scottish Government was required to submit changes to the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) to the European Commission by 15 July 2009 to show how it was meeting the new challenges set by the European Commission. The Scottish Government has submitted the changes to the SRDP required following consultation with stakeholders on the SRDP''s Programme Monitoring Committee. The European Commission is currently considering those proposals and we expect to have approval from Brussels by the end of 2009. In addition, the Scottish Government is required to report annually to the European Commission on progress towards meeting the commission''s new challenges and is in the processes of setting up systems in order to do so.

The uniform monitoring of prices across Europe could be a useful tool to help analyse how food affordability differs across countries and how these trends evolve through time. Any monitoring of prices, price transmission and contractual arrangements should, however, be considered against the cost of collecting and processing such data. Careful consideration would need to be given to the implementation arrangements in order to avoid unnecessary burdens on industry.

The government is in favour of farmers organising themselves into co-operatives and other collaborative structures in order to strengthen their commercial position. Financial support for such collaboration can be offered in a number of ways, using both national and EU funding.

Officials were in contact with other Member States in the lead up to the vote taken at the Standing Committee of Food Chain and Animal Health on 14 July. Direct interaction by myself and officials have been successful in obtaining concessions on the Regulations at this time. Following the UK''s agreement not to pursue any further concessions, further meeting have not been secured. Since then I have had no meetings with EU member state representatives.

I met with Commissioner Vassiliou in March this year and the Director of Animal Health, Bernard Van Goethem, in June. I was informed that the principle of the Regulation would not be overturned. However I received assurances that the Commission were well informed of our issues and they would take account of these in development of the legislation, which they have duly done. I requested a further meeting in July with Commissioner Vassiliou, but due to other commitments it was not possible to secure a meeting with her.

The question of an emissions performance standard was raised in response to our consultation on draft thermal guidance last year. It was also discussed in the recent UK consultation on clean coal. Responses to this consultation have been copied to the Scottish Government. We are working closely with the UK Government on this matter and will consider our position once this process is complete.