The Rural Development (Continuation of Operation) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2024

Overview

Background

The Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) and other payment schemes such as the Less Favourable Areas Support Scheme provide a funding mechanism for supporting rural projects and initiatives that concurred with the objectives of the EU Common Agriculture Policy. Following Brexit, the SRDP has continued under domestic law. 

At present, the SRDP and other rural support schemes are due to end on 31 December 2024. On 4 September, the Scottish Government laid regulations that would, if passed, extend the operation of the SRDP and other support schemes from 1 January 2025 to 2030. The regulations also make further provisions relating to reporting requirements to prepare an Annual Implementation Report for the SRDP.  

The Scottish Government says the extension to the SRDP and other rural support schemes will ensure stability for the agriculture sector whilst it rolls out its new approach to agriculture policy through powers established in the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024

More information on the instrument

Your views

The Committee considered the instrument at its meeting on Wednesday 25 September. In light of the evidence heard, the Committee agreed to issue a short call for views on the instrument before it is formally considered again on Wednesday 9 October. 

This call for views will close on Wednesday 2 October.