Rural Affairs and Islands Committee 03 September 2025
Our third item is consideration of the proposed national good food nation plan. Members will note that we had thought that we would not have time to consider the proposed national plan after it was laid; however, as the subordinate legislation that we were expecting today was delayed, we have the opportunity to hold a round table, at which we will take evidence from a range of stakeholders. I welcome Adam Forrest, from the Nature Friendly Farming Network; Lisa Hislop-Smith, from NFU Scotland; Dennis Overton, from the Scottish Food Commission; Dr Gillian Purdon, from Food Standards Scotland; Jason Rose, from OneKind; Vicki Swales, from the Scottish Food Coalition; and David Thomson, from the Food and Drink Federation Scotland.
We have allocated around 90 minutes for discussion, and we have a few questions to get through, so I ask everyone to be succinct in their questions and answers. Please indicate to me or one of the clerks if you wish to participate in the conversation at any point. There is no expectation that you will speak on every point or question. You do not need to operate your microphones, as we have a gentleman who will do that for you.
I will kick off with a very broad question. What are your views on the proposed outcomes, whether the proposed plan demonstrates how those outcomes can be achieved over the five-year period and beyond, and—just as important—whether there are any conflicts between the outcomes and how those should be resolved?