Ann Bruce was joined by Professor Michael Keating, Professor of Politics at the University of Aberdeen & Centre on Constitutional Change; Steven Thomson, Senior Agricultural Economist, Scotland's Rural College; and Paul Flanagan, Director for Scotland, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.
The Committee was interested in hearing more about the unique characteristics of Scottish agriculture and how its needs can be met after the UK leaves the EU. The Committee asked the panel to consider the implications of future immigration policy for the agricultural workforce and funding settlements for Scottish agriculture.
The role of innovation and technology in improving productivity and sustainability in Scottish agriculture was also discussed. The panel highlighted the need for innovative policies to support productivity and to engage farmers with agricultural research so they can apply the latest advances to their local contexts.
“Scottish agriculture needs a policy framework that is flexible enough to meet the needs of a very wide range of different situations” said Dr Ann Bruce, Innogen Institute member, the University of Edinburgh.
Watch the Committee session here (from 2 hrs: 22.55): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tz4rPtZl-TA