Scotland’s leadership on the European stage was highlighted during two high-level meetings held by Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead in Brussels today.
Mr Lochhead met with recently appointed EU Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Commissioner Maria Damanaki and the chief of staff to the new Agriculture Commissioner, Dacian Ciolos.
Speaking after the talks, Mr Lochhead said:
“Scotland hosts the most important EU fishery in northern Europe, is responsible for 20 per cent of Europe’s waters, and produces some of the world’s finest seafood. Indeed, Scotland is home to 70 per cent of the UK’s fishing industry.
“It was important to meet with the Commissioner to explain the importance of fishing to Scotland, highlight our strong views on the broken Common Fisheries Policy, and set out our proactive ideas for change which have made others in Europe sit up and take notice.
“Even though the Commissioner says she is constrained by European treaties, she voiced enthusiasm for radical change in EU fisheries policy and is genuinely interested in Scotland’s part in providing solutions, something we will discuss in more detail when she hopefully visits Scotland later this year.
“We discussed the issue of days at sea, the difficulties faced by the West of Scotland, the need for a level playing field and other pressing issues. Of course we could do so much more for our fishermen if we had our own voice in Europe, which is why we hope to give the people of Scotland their say on the constitutional future by introducing a Referendum Bill later this year.”
Mr Lochhead added:
“This was a useful opportunity to remind the Commission of the importance of agriculture and food production for Scotland, and of the distinctive nature of our farm sector. I emphasised the importance we place on linking farm support to active farming, and was pleased to hear that the Commission also sees this as an important issue. Scotland’s agricultural industry is leading Europe in many areas and it is important to make others aware of our strength of innovation and adaptation.
“On the issue of cross compliance penalties, it is clear that everyone accepts there is a serious problem with the current regime, which is disproportionate and brings the CAP into disrepute among farmers. The Commission gave the impression that it could be some time before an improved system can be introduced – this is not an acceptable situation and I made it clear that until the legislation can be amended, clarity over how it works in reality must be provided as a matter of urgency. I reiterated my invitation to Commissioner Ciolos and his team to visit Scotland this summer and look forward to welcoming them soon.”
