15.This section sets out the objectives of Scottish agricultural policy for the purposes of the Act. These objectives set the overall direction for policy and will form the basis for determining, among other things, the strategic priorities of the Scottish Ministers’ provision of support in each 5-year rural support plan. The objectives are derived from the Scottish Government’s ‘Vision for Agriculture’(4) and are:
the adoption and use of sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices,
the production of high-quality food,
the promotion and support of agricultural practices that protect and improve animal health and welfare,
the facilitation of on-farm nature restoration, climate mitigation and adaptation, and
enabling rural communities to thrive.
16.The Scottish ministers may by regulation amend the objectives, subject to the affirmative procedure.