Minutes: 18 June 2025

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 4 in private. The Committee also agreed to consider its Stage 1 report on the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill in private at item 5 and at future meetings.

2. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee considered the following negative instruments—

Seed (Fees) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2025 (SSI 2025/154)
Marketing of Fruit Plant and Propagating Material (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2025 (SSI 2025/155)

3. EU-UK co-operation agreement:

The Committee took evidence from—

Jimmy Buchan, Chief Executive, Scottish Seafood Association;

Jonnie Hall, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Policy, National Farmers Union Scotland;

Jennifer Howie, UK Frameworks and Inter-Governmental Relations Lead, Food Standards Scotland;

Patrick Hughes, Strategic Services Director, Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society;

Stephen Kenyon, Chairman, Harbro Ltd, Agricultural Industries Confederation Scotland;

Elspeth Macdonald, Chief Executive, Scottish Fishermen’s Federation;

James Park, Head of Insights, Salmon Scotland;

David Thomson, Chief Executive, Food and Drink Federation Scotland;

Scott Walker, Executive Manager, Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers and Chief Executive, GB Potatoes ;

Adam Wing, Head Of Trade Marketing, UK, Middle East and Asia, Seafood Scotland.

4. EU-UK co-operation agreement (In private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard earlier in the meeting.

5. Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill (In private):

The Committee considered a draft report.  Various changes were agreed to, and the Committee agreed to consider a revised draft, in private, at its next meeting.