Progress towards Agricultural Holdings Review

It is good to hear that the Scottish Government is moving forward on its Review of Agricultural Holdings Legislation, with the news of six appointments to the expert group that will advise the review.

The review – led by Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead – aims to determine what policy and legislative changes may be required to deliver a sustainable Scottish tenant farming sector that is dynamic, gets the best from the land and the people farming it and provides opportunities for new entrants.

According to the Scottish Government, an interim report is expected in June 2014, which will include an update on considerations of Absolute Right to Buy. That will be followed by a final report in December 2014, which will contain recommendations for the Scottish Government including proposals for any required legislative and fiscal changes.

“To ensure opportunities for future generations to produce our food, ensure productive and sustainable land use and to support our rural economy, Scotland needs a vibrant and healthy tenant farming sector at the heart of Scottish agriculture and Scottish life,” said Mr Lochhead.

“That is why our vision, set out in the Review’s remit, is to have a Scottish tenant farming sector that is dynamic, gets the best from the land and the people farming it and provides opportunities for new entrants, forming part of a sustainable future for Scottish farming,” he added.

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