Rural Director
Peter Russell
The Rural Directorate is headed by the Director, Peter Russell. The Directorate develops policy and provides advice in five main areas:
- Agriculture and rural development
- Animal health and welfare
- Food and Drink Industry
- Landscapes and Habitats
- Rural communities (although policy development on specific rural issues is overseen by the relevant Directorate in Scottish Government eg transport in rural areas is overseen by the Transport Directorate).
Additionally, Rural Directorate provides veterinary advice to Ministers and to colleagues, through the Chief Veterinary Officer (Scotland); and works closely with Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate (notably on programmes of funding which that Directorate delivers) and with Marine Directorate (who have the policy interest in the sea as a source of food). The Directorate also provides the core support for Scotland's Environmental and Rural Services (SEARS) programme.
Our Goal
To work with Ministers, colleagues, delivery partners and other stakeholders to pursue sustainable economic growth by developing a more successful rural Scotland - economically, socially, culturally and environmentally.
Objectives
- Sustainable agriculture, competitive in markets and contributing to local economies
- Well maintained landscapes and biodiversity benefitting people and business
- Well treated and healthy farm (and domestic) animals
- Rural development and accessible public services benefitting rural communities
- Customer focused service delivery to land managers and others by rural delivery bodies
- Rural land management contributing to the Scottish Government's target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and contributing to adaptation measures.
- The Scottish Government's work on food and drink supports quality, health and wellbeing and environmental sustainability, while recognising the need for affordable food for all.