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1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 6 and 7 in private.

2. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee took evidence on the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 Amendment Order 2025 (SSI 2025/draft) from—

Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, supported by George Burgess, Director of Agriculture and Rural Economy, Mandy Callaghan, Deputy Director, Agriculture and Land Transition and Nick Downes, Deputy Director, Chief Digital and Data Office for Agriculture and the Rural Economy, Scottish Government.

3. Subordinate legislation:

Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity moved—

S6M-16490—That the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee recommends that the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 Amendment Order 2025 be approved.

4. Future agriculture policy:

The Committee took evidence from—

Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, supported by George Burgess, Director of Agriculture and Rural Economy, Mandy Callaghan, Deputy Director, Agriculture and Land Transition and Nick Downes, Deputy Director, Chief Digital and Data Office for Agriculture and the Rural Economy, Scottish Government.

Tim Eagle declared an interest as an owner of a small farm.

5. A climate transition for Scottish agriculture:

The Committee took evidence from—

Dr Vera Eory, Reader, Scotland’s Rural College;

David McKay, Co-Director, Soil Association Scotland;

Professor Dave Reay, University of Edinburgh;

Dr Mike Robinson, Chief Executive, Royal Scottish Geographical Society.

6. Future agriculture policy (In private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard earlier in the meeting.

7. Climate transition for Scottish agriculture (In private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard earlier in the meeting.