WIREDGOV

News release issued on behalf of Brian Pack OBE.

A series of recommendations aimed at reducing the amount of red tape in Scottish agriculture have been set out in an interim report published recently.

The Doing Better Initiative Interim Report, by Brian Pack OBE, has made 72 provisional recommendations following a wide-ranging industry consultation.

Views on the provisional recommendations – which are intended to provoke debate and discussion - and further evidence will be gathered over the next three months before a final report is submitted to Scottish Government Ministers next year.

Speaking at the launch of the interim report in Perth, Mr Pack said:

“The objective we have in our sights, and which I believe is achievable, is to make a difference for Scotland’s farmers, land managers and administrators, and improve Scotland’s sustainable economic growth

“It has been a real challenge getting to grips with the regulatory environment and opportunities for improving both the regulatory structure and individual regulations - and I would like to thank my Expert Panel, and Steven Thomson from Scotland’s Rural College for their valuable help and input.

“My interim report sets out in detail the incumbent regulatory framework of Scottish agriculture including the European dimension and sets out a wide range of actions which I believe would reduce red tape in farming and land management, making it easier to comply and build trust.

“Some recommendations would be simple to implement, others would have far-reaching consequences, whilst others would require a change in attitude from European institutions.

“I am now looking forward to receiving feedback on my interim findings and proposals, which will inform how my recommendations and supporting evidence should be changed for the final report.”

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead said:

“I welcome the excellent progress being made by Brian Pack in examining how we can reduce the red tape burden for Scotland’s farmers.

“His interim report shines a light on the complexity of legislation in the rural sector and makes a large number of recommendations – particularly relating to the need for increased transparency across all aspects of regulation to make life easier for farmers.

“The Scottish Government is already taking steps to minimise regulatory burdens, and we will now examine these recommendations in detail, as well as the views of those working in the industry. I look forward to receiving the final report next year and providing a formal response in due course.”

Notes to editors

Brian Pack OBE was appointed in January 2012 to consider how to reduce the red tape associated with farming, fulfilling a Scottish Government commitment to look at how best to help farmers free up time for farming by further reducing on-farm inspections and bureaucracy. More information is available from the Scottish Government website.

The Doing Better Initiative to Reduce Red Tape in Agriculture Interim Report is also available from the Scottish Government website.

The Doing Better Expert Panel comprises Bob Stubbs, David Mitchell and Professor Maggie Gill. The report was compiled by Steven Thomson from Scotland’s Rural College.