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1. Introduction
In A Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture representatives of the farming and food industry and other stakeholders set a general direction for the industry. That Strategy's underlying principles remain valid, but it needs updating to reflect progress made since its publication in 2001, to maintain momentum and to take account of the changing world.
To undertake this work, Ross Finnie MSP, Minister for Environment and Rural Development, set up the Agriculture Strategy Group ( ASG). Collectively, we represent a wide range of interests from all parts of the food chain, environmental organisations, research, education, economic development agencies and consumers. Representatives of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers' Clubs also made a valuable contribution to our work. Our shared desire is to help create a strong and prosperous agriculture sector in Scotland.
Our revised Vision statement underlines the key themes of this Next Steps strategy. Sustainable development, encompassing economic, social and environmental outputs, is vital to the long-term future of Scottish agriculture. Meanwhile, the industry is facing a challenging period of transition as it adapts to the reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy ( CAP) agreed in 2003 and prepares itself for further change. Its future prosperity will depend upon becoming increasingly customer-orientated. In Scotland we have some of the best and most efficient farmers in the world but we need to help many more to achieve that same status. In drawing up our list of recommended actions, we have sought, wherever possible:
- to build on examples of best practice;
- to develop existing measures rather than creating new ones; and
- to recognise the vital importance of good communication.
This updated Strategy focuses on key actions which address the most important and urgent challenges facing farmers, crofters and other land managers. It stands alongside a wide range of significant Scottish Executive strategies and other initiatives but we have not attempted to repeat in this document all the actions that they require or promote.
Section 2 highlights a number of new challenges and cross-cutting issues that have become more prominent since the publication of A Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture. These include CAP reform and international trading arrangements; health and well-being (for both animals and humans); climate change; and sustainable development. Sections 3-6 are based largely on the work of three ASG sub-groups, which gave detailed consideration to food production and marketing; to rural development and non-food markets; and to environment and communications. The final section deals with delivery of the Strategy and monitoring of progress.
The title of this document, A Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture: Next Steps, reflects our aim, which is to build on the achievements of the 2001 Strategy in areas such as animal health and welfare, diversification and the environment. It seeks to ensure that the evolution of agricultural strategy in Scotland is a dynamic process. We have set goals aimed at realising our Vision, and identified proposals for action, based on our analysis of progress over the past five years and our views on how to maintain momentum. As we move forward into the implementation phase, we will engage more widely with stakeholders to refine the action points and agree how they will be delivered. Our aim remains that this document provides the platform for effective and dynamic progress.
Agriculture Strategy Group
March 2006
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