Hansard

::I am pleased to open the debate. The draft instrument was considered by the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee on 17 December, but the committee did not approve it. However, many of the concerns that members raised relate to matters that are outside the specific scope of this Scottish statutory instrument.

During that committee session, two members indicated that they would support the instrument in the chamber, provided that there were clarification and reassurance on the issues that they had raised. Since then, I have worked constructively with a range of members and stakeholders on the points previously raised. I have sought to address the concerns raised and to provide points of clarification about the importance of the fruit and veg aid scheme for our Scottish producers.

The draft regulations will do the following key things: they will provide stability to stakeholders that receive funding via the fruit and veg aid scheme; and they will enable the Scottish Government to better plan the budget allocation for the scheme and, importantly, to ensure that Scottish Government funding for Scottish producers remains.

The fruit and veg aid scheme is a legacy European Union scheme that has been a success here in Scotland. It relies on collaborative working that encourages innovation, sustainability and investment at scale, which growers could not benefit from on an individual basis. It is valuable and it remains an important source of support for the fresh produce sector in Scotland. I recognise, however, that the model does not suit everyone—particularly because the power to recognise our producer organisations, which is a prerequisite for the scheme, lies with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The scheme should not be the sole support mechanism for the sector and I am committed to doing more for small producers. We will work with stakeholders at pace to understand what they need, including by providing funding for an audit to understand the shape of the small fruit and vegetable producer sector and the forms of support that it needs in order to thrive.

If this SSI is not approved, we risk facing increases in budget requirements that put other valuable agricultural funding at risk. I hope that members agree that the proposed changes are necessary and I urge them to agree to the motion and approve the draft regulations.

I move,

That the Parliament agrees that the Common Organisation of the Markets in Agricultural Products (Fruit and Vegetables) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved.