This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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CAP reform consultation
17/09/2003
Details of a consultation exercise prior to
implementing CAP Reform measures was announced
today.
The consultation process has four main
elements:
a stakeholder conference on October 6 to
launch the consultation exercise
the setting up of a stakeholder working
group to advise on the consultation
exercise
a formal three month consultation exercise
involving a wide range of stakeholders inScotland, and lasting three months. Separate
explanatory material will also be issued to all
farmers in
Scotland
a series of regional events, including
local interest groupings, and farmer
meetings
Environment and Rural Development Minister Ross
Finnie said:
"The radical reform of agricultural support measures
agreed inLuxembourgin July presentScotlandwith significant opportunities to meet the priorities
identified in our Forward Strategy for Scottish
Agriculture.
"We want to see an industry focused on meeting the
needs of customers; that plays a major role in
sustainable rural development and helps to maintain the
prosperity of our rural communities.
"We are clear that successful implementation of
reform will depend on the support of a wide range of
interests.
"We must have a wide-ranging debate founded upon the
strategic objectives contained in the Agriculture
Strategy. The arrangements we are setting out today
will help to provide a focus for these important
discussions.
I would encourage everyone with an interest
to participate fully in that debate."
The stakeholder conference is scheduled for October
6. It is by
invitation and a wide range of stakeholders has been
invited across the whole spectrum of those with interests
in agriculture, food, environment and rural
development.
The consultation exercise is scheduled to last three
months.