Politicians quizzed the Scottish Government on Rural Affairs at Portfolio Question Time at Holyrood last week.
The impact of short-term let licensing on the rural economy was the first question on the agenda by Conservative MSP Graham Simpson. Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon said there was a need for balance and ultimately it was for local councils to implement.
Tory MSP Rachael Hamilton asked what the Government response is to NFUs petition on improving food security.
Mairi Gougeon said she fully agreed with the NFU on the importance that it places on food security and had “raised repeatedly with the UK Government the critical issues that are impacting on the sector.”
West of Scotland MSP Pam Gosal asked when responses to the Agriculture Bill Consultation would be published. Ms Gougeon replied this would happen in the spring.
Read more: Calls for Scottish Government to publish Ag Bill responses
SNP MSP Joe Fitzpatrick asked about support available through future budgets for agriculture in Scotland. The Scottish Government said following Brexit there was no funding commitment from 2025 from the UK Government and ministers continue to make representations to Westminster.
Other questions included decarbonising transport, the impact of the Windsor framework on the food and drink supply chain and rural support in regions.
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