Simplifying CAP taskforce announced

The Scottish Government announced a national taskforce to advise on simplifing farming rules. The group will look to “simplify rules, reduce complexity and improve public value” for rural support schemes between the years 2021 and 2024. The announcement was made by the Cabinet Secretary at this week’s AgriScot where he stated he wanted support schemes to remain largely as they are currently over the three years after the end of any Brexit transition agreement in 2021. The announcement comes after a wide ranging internal consultation amongst local department offices where over 350 simplifying ideas had already been put forward.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “Following analysis of our recent Stability and Simplicity consultation, there is a clear recognition in the short term for the need to unwind some of the complexity of CAP and release efficiencies.

“I am particularly pleased that a number of women and young farmers will be at the forefront of this process.

“They have already demonstrated innovative approaches to farming, which will be key to the industries future success, as we look at how practical changes to our approach could improve customer experience, while also improving public value.

“However, I have been clear that this must be done in a way that does not compromise the control measures that protect the security of our food, the welfare of our animals, our environmental standards and ultimately our ability to trade on our reputation for quality produce.

“So while there remains a significant amount of work ahead to transition from the framework provided by CAP towards a broader future policy of support for the rural economy, I believe the simplification taskforce will play an important role in shaping that future and I look forward to working with them in the months to come.”

Taskforce members