Crucial farm reforms explained
23 Nov 2011 11:34 AM
The public will get the chance to find out about vital European proposals to reform the Common Agricultural Policy at a series of meetings across Scotland.
Senior Scottish Government officials will chair the road shows which start on December 6 in Perth and take in thirteen venues from Shetland and Skye to Lanark and Lauder.
After officials have outlined the European Commission proposals, and their likely impact on Scotland, there will be a question and answer session.
Although meetings are being held around the country, to allow as many people as possible to attend, a podcast will also be available for those who are unable to attend a road show.
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said:
"We're determined to get a fair deal for Scotland's farmers in the current CAP reform negotiations. The formal negotiations have begun in earnest and the Scottish Government is working hard to ensure that Scotland's voice is heard - both in Brussels and Westminster.
"But it's also vital that Scottish farmers are kept informed about the progress of the negotiations and have the opportunity to air their views. After all, it's their livelihoods that will be directly affected.
"That's why I have outlined a five-point engagement plan for stakeholders and these public meetings are a key part of this process. I hope as many people as possible will take this opportunity to find out about what CAP reform might mean for them. I hope to be able to attend some of the meetings to hear people's views."
Farmers throughout Scotland will also receive a letter from Mr Lochhead shortly giving further details about the CAP reform proposals.
The meetings, which all start at 7.30pm, will take place on:
December 6 - Dewar Centre, Perth
December 7 - Thainstone Exchange, Inverurie
December 12 - Cairndale Hotel, Dumfries
December 12 - Carfrae Mill, Lauder
January 9 - Caberfeidh Hotel, Stornoway
January 10 - Lerwick Museum, Lerwick
January 11 - Albert Hotel, Kirkwall
January 17 - Thistle Hotel, Inverness
January 18 - Camanachd Shinty Club, Portree
January 18 - Park Hotel, Thurso
January 30 - Lanark Mart, Lanark
January 31 - Western Hotel, Ayr
February 1 - Corran Halls, Oban
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