THE Scottish Government has warned time is running out to take part in its consultation on Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform.
The online consultation closes on April 24 and gives people an opportunity to comment on the European Commission’s proposals to reform the CAP.
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead urged farmers to take part in the consultation.
He said: “We’re determined to get a fair deal for Scotland’s farmers in these crucial Common Agricultural Policy reforms.
“But to do that, it’s vital that we know what our farmers and key stakeholders think about the proposals on the table and their likely impact on Scotland.
“The consultation considers three areas and covers a wide range of issues relating to the European proposals for the future CAP.
“People can complete as much of the consultation as is relevant to them and paper copies of the consultation are also available for anyone without internet access.
“So I would urge everyone with an interest to complete the consultation and help us shape the future of our agriculture sector.”
The three areas covered in the consultation are:
* Direct payments (Single Farm Payments and Scottish Beef Scheme)
* The Scotland Rural Development Programme
* Finance and Control issues, including advice, inspections and evaluation Background
The consultation is available here: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/01/7299/2
