, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary
for Climate Change and Rural Affairs: In accordance with the
inter-institutional relations agreement, I can report to Members
I chaired the latest meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Group for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 27 January 2025.
The meeting was attended by MSP, Cabinet Secretary for
Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, MSP, Acting Cabinet
Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, MSP, Minister of Agriculture,
Environment and Rural Affairs, MLA, Minister for Agriculture
and Connectivity, and MP, Secretary of State for
Environment Food and Rural Affairs.
The Group discussed the work of the UK Government Circular
Economy Taskforce. I emphasised the importance of a clear
mechanism for UK-wide issues and for governments to work more in
partnership with one another.
We held our first deep dive of the year, which focused on
environmental land management. This was a useful opportunity to
consider respective environmental land management plans and take
a holistic view of the common opportunities for improving
environmental and economic outcomes across the UK.
The agenda item on Bovine Electronic Identification and the
different technologies' advantages and challenges highlighted
agreement that electronic identification was important for farm
safety and traceability of livestock.
The Group then discussed the role and importance of devolved
nations in potential negotiations on developing a UK-EU sanitary
and phytosanitary agreement. I stressed the importance of
agreeing how devolved nations would engage in negotiations,
stating my preference for real and meaningful engagement.
We discussed the proposed UK Government National Food Strategy,
its interaction with devolved responsibilities, and opportunities
for collaboration. I emphasised the importance of developing
governance structures on how decisions will be taken where there
is devolved involvement or interest. I also highlighted that it
should be made clear to stakeholders what policy is for England
(under UK Government) and what is policy devolved to Wales.
I am pleased that this Inter-Ministerial Group is taking a
positive approach to work collaboratively across a range of
topics respecting the different policy contexts and priorities
within our nations.
A communique regarding this meeting will be published on the UK
Government website at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/inter-ministerial-group-for-environment-food-and-rural-affairs-communiques
