In brief for 12 October 2011

Salmon peace talks

PEACE talks between salmon farmers and fishers of wild salmon are being prepared by the Scottish government.

The two sides have been at loggerheads over the impact of sea lice and chemicals on wild species from salmon farms off mainland Scotland.

Environment minister Stewart Stevenson said: “I believe that both sectors can exist and develop in harmony with each other, and I am therefore greatly encouraged that both wild fish interests and the salmon farming industry have agreed to this new process with a view to working together more constructively in the future.”

The Association of Salmon Fishery Boards and the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation has welcomed the government’s intervention. Both sides will meet shortly with an independent facilitator to discuss how talks should proceed.

CAP reform proposals

EUROPE has finally published its formal proposals to reform the Common Agricultural Policy, which provides subsidies worth £650 million to Scotland’s crofters and farmers.

The proposals envisage wholesale reforms from 2014 that will have to undergo intense negotiation prior to ratification by the European Parliament.

The National Farmers Union of Scotland is looking for a better link between subsidies and agricultural activity, no subsidy cap for large operators and support for new entrants to the industry.

The proposals are likely to do away with single farm payments, basing subsidy on area payments with differing regional rates across Scotland.

Future payments are likely to be linked to current levels of activity.