Minutes: 16 September 2026

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 3 in private.

2. Rural Support Plan:

The Committee took evidence from—

Dr Vera Eory, Reader in Sustainable Agriculture, Scotland’s Rural College;

Michael Halliday, Managing Director, Scottish Tenant Farmers Association;

Pete Ritchie, Director, Nourish Scotland;

Dr Mike Robinson, Chief Executive, Royal Scottish Geographical Society;

Kate Rowell, Chair, Quality Meat Scotland;

Artemis Pana, National Coordinator, Scottish Rural Action;

    Professor Steven Thomson, Professor of Agricultural Economics and Policy, Scotland’s Rural College.

3. Rural Support Plan – review of evidence:

The Committee reviewed the evidence heard under agenda item 2.