Written Question · S2W-07131 · Session 2
When it will publish the review of the livestock improvement scheme and what plans it has for the continuation and improvement of the schem…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the review of the livestock improvement scheme and what plans it has for the continuation and improvement of the scheme.
The answer
In their present forms, theCrofting Counties Agricultural Grants Scheme and the support for livestockimprovement have been in place for a long time. We recognise that there areopportunities to refocus crofting support to provide better value for money.That is why the Crofters Commission has consulted comprehensively on the futureof these crofting support schemes.
I have considered the futureof crofting support in the light of the responses to that consultation and, inthe case of livestock improvement, I have also considered an extensive anddetailed evaluation of these schemes, conducted by the Scottish Agricultural College.
Significant elements of theproposals on which we consulted require primary legislation before they can beimplemented but I believe that some of the changes that can be made withoutprimary legislation should be made as soon as possible. I believe that thesechanges will enhance effectiveness, efficiency and value for money andmodernise crofting support arrangements.
I propose to modify theCrofting Counties Agricultural Grant Scheme to provide that all support will besubject to approval of an application. I also plan to increase the maximumlimit on eligible expenditure over a two year period to £50,000 for individualsand £125,000 for eligible groups. In addition I aim to increase standard costsrates to bring them into line with those under the Agricultural BusinessDevelopment Scheme and introduce new arrangements to deal fairly withapplicants and control spending where demand for grants exceeds the scheme budget.However, alongside these improvements, grants rates need to be brought intoline with those in other capital grant schemes. So grant rates over 50% ofcosts will no longer be available.
On livestock improvement, Ipropose to continue support for the improvement of cattle stocks and intend toreplace the current Bull Hire Scheme with a new grant scheme to be developedover the next few months and to come into operation as soon as possible. Inthis connection a study will be undertaken to establish whether the stud farmoperation at Inverness can be reorganised so that it can play a viable rolein the new scheme. I propose to close the Ram Purchase Scheme and the ShetlandRam Scheme forthwith. However, in connection with the former we will explorethe possibility of providing training in ram selection and purchase, includinga mentoring visit to a sale, if there is a demand for such assistance.
In all cases currentcommitments will be honoured. These will be interim measures and will remain inplace until plans for a comprehensive crofting development programme can befinalised and legislation to enable the Crofters Commission to run such ascheme can be enacted.
Copies of the report on theevaluation of the Livestock Improvements Schemes and of a summary of theresponses to the consultation on the proposals for the crofting development programmehave been placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 32087 and32088). The responses to the consultation are available for inspection at theCrofters Commission, Castle Wynd, Inverness, IV2 3EQ.
I have considered the futureof crofting support in the light of the responses to that consultation and, inthe case of livestock improvement, I have also considered an extensive anddetailed evaluation of these schemes, conducted by the Scottish Agricultural College.
Significant elements of theproposals on which we consulted require primary legislation before they can beimplemented but I believe that some of the changes that can be made withoutprimary legislation should be made as soon as possible. I believe that thesechanges will enhance effectiveness, efficiency and value for money andmodernise crofting support arrangements.
I propose to modify theCrofting Counties Agricultural Grant Scheme to provide that all support will besubject to approval of an application. I also plan to increase the maximumlimit on eligible expenditure over a two year period to £50,000 for individualsand £125,000 for eligible groups. In addition I aim to increase standard costsrates to bring them into line with those under the Agricultural BusinessDevelopment Scheme and introduce new arrangements to deal fairly withapplicants and control spending where demand for grants exceeds the scheme budget.However, alongside these improvements, grants rates need to be brought intoline with those in other capital grant schemes. So grant rates over 50% ofcosts will no longer be available.
On livestock improvement, Ipropose to continue support for the improvement of cattle stocks and intend toreplace the current Bull Hire Scheme with a new grant scheme to be developedover the next few months and to come into operation as soon as possible. Inthis connection a study will be undertaken to establish whether the stud farmoperation at Inverness can be reorganised so that it can play a viable rolein the new scheme. I propose to close the Ram Purchase Scheme and the ShetlandRam Scheme forthwith. However, in connection with the former we will explorethe possibility of providing training in ram selection and purchase, includinga mentoring visit to a sale, if there is a demand for such assistance.
In all cases currentcommitments will be honoured. These will be interim measures and will remain inplace until plans for a comprehensive crofting development programme can befinalised and legislation to enable the Crofters Commission to run such ascheme can be enacted.
Copies of the report on theevaluation of the Livestock Improvements Schemes and of a summary of theresponses to the consultation on the proposals for the crofting development programmehave been placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 32087 and32088). The responses to the consultation are available for inspection at theCrofters Commission, Castle Wynd, Inverness, IV2 3EQ.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S2W-07131 by reference.