1. Declaration of interests:

Tim Eagle was invited to declare any relevant interests. Tim declared an interest as an owner of a small sheep and arable farm in Moray and in receipt of a single farm payment and payment from the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme.

2. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 5 in private.

3. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee took evidence on the Free-Range Egg Marketing Standards (Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 (2024/draft) from—

Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, supported by Darren Cormack, Food and Drink, Livestock Products Policy Manager and Judith Brown, Solicitor, Scottish Government.

4. Subordinate legislation:

Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity moved—

S6M-14816—That the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee recommends that the Free-Range Egg Marketing Standards (Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 be approved.

5. Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2025 to 2026 (in private):

The Committee considered a draft letter to the Scottish Government. Various changes were agreed to.  The Committee delegated to the Convener responsibility for finalising the draft letter.