Chamber
Plenary, 15 Mar 2007
15 Mar 2007 · S2 · Plenary
Item of business
SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Scottish Natural Heritage<br />(Single Farm Payment)
Environment and Rural Development
The minister will acknowledge that I have been in correspondence with her and her predecessor for some time about this matter. Indeed, we are dealing with farmers whose management agreements are up for review or, in some cases, renewal. They are the very people who were pioneers in accepting management agreements over land that had been designated as sites of special scientific interest. Does the minister agree that it seems very unfair that they should now be penalised with any loss of income because of the introduction of the single farm payment, as a result of decisions that they took 20 years ago not to increase the number of livestock units? Although it might not be possible to do anything through the single farm payment mechanism, it is open to ministers to give financial guidance to SNH to ensure that proper compensation is made available.
In the same item of business
3. Mr Jim Wallace (Orkney) (LD):
LD
To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Scottish Natural Heritage regarding levels of compensation paid under management agreements fo...
The Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development (Sarah Boyack):
Lab
Ministers have asked Scottish Natural Heritage to bring forward proposals to resolve the difficulty that has arisen. Those are expected in the next six to ei...
Mr Wallace:
LD
The minister will acknowledge that I have been in correspondence with her and her predecessor for some time about this matter. Indeed, we are dealing with fa...
Sarah Boyack:
Lab
The issue is complex. Jim Wallace has made several representations to me and previous ministers. SNH is clarifying the position in relation to state aid. Tha...