Question reference: S5W-29566
- Asked by: Peter Chapman, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 2 June 2020 Registered interest
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Current status: Answered by Fergus Ewing on 15 June 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether its post-transition period agricultural policy framework will detail plans and provisions for farmers to tackle endemic diseases on farms through a preventative health approach.
Answer
Proposals for future rural policy were set out in the “Stability and Simplicity” consultation which provides a period of stability until the end of 2020 followed by a period of simplicity until 2024. During the simplicity period it is proposed that the majority of schemes will continue but subject to simplification and improvements to reflect the conclusions of the Simplification Task Force and to broadly refocus and target schemes, where possible, towards key priorities including climate change and biodiversity loss.
Animal health is always a high priority for the Scottish Government. The bulk of our work in the field is independent of CAP, and our collaborative approach to endemic disease is well demonstrated in policies such as the BVD Eradication Scheme and risk-based bovine TB monitoring. We will continue to work with stakeholders to protect and enhance Scotland’s reputation for the high health standards of our farmed animals.