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The agriculture bill will reaffirm our commitment to the highest production standards which are underpinned by Animal Health and Welfare standards, environmental stewardship conditions, and fair working conditions. As such high quality food production is a broad term encompassing a range of requirements individually defined through regulation and guidance such as the cross compliance regime.

The public consultation on the Bill, “Land Reform in a Net Zero Nation”, was open from the 4 July until the 30 October, and received over 540 responses. The responses were published on 22 December 2022, and we aim to publish the analysis of them in early spring 2023. This analysis will inform the development of the proposals and we remain committed to the introduction of the Bill by the end of 2023.

Our consultation document on the next Land Reform Bill proposes a series of important changes to the framework of law and policy that govern the system of ownership, management and use of land in Scotland. The proposals are in line with the recommendations of the Scottish Land Commission. They include the introduction of a Public Interest Test (PIT) "to assess whether, at the point of transfer of a large-scale landholding, a risk would arise from the creation of continuation of a situation in which excessive power acts against the public interest." The consultation also set out proposals on the criteria for triggering the PIT, and the possible outcomes of it. The Commission has not recommended the introduction of a cap on the total amount of land that can be owned.

We have received 540 responses to the consultation, and these include a wide range of views on the threshold for land acquisitions that could be subject to the PIT. The responses are being analysed and will be taken into account as we develop measures for inclusion in the Bill.

As with previous land reform legislation, it is imperative that any proposals are fully compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights.

In August 2022, NatureScot launched the Investment Ready Nature in Scotland (IRNS) scheme, which provides projects that offer nature-based solutions with technical assistance grants to address investment barriers and develop replicable and scalable business models. Through this work, IRNS aims to build capacity for environmental projects to attract financial investment. The scheme aligns to the Scottish Government’s Interim Principles for Responsible Investment in Natural Capital, which sets out our expectations for a values-led, high-integrity market. Successful applications were announced in November 2022, with £580k of funding awarded to projects across a range of environmental contexts and locations.

We are supportive of community wealth building, and the opportunities it presents to act as a conduit for supporting our Net Zero ambitions, in particular supporting a just transition. The land and property pillar of community wealth building is particularly relevant to land reform, and is very much in line with both existing land reform mechanisms (such as the Community Right to Buy) and our proposals for the next Land Reform Bill.

Measures put forward for inclusion in the Bill include a requirement for owners of large-scale landholdings to prepare and publish Land Management Plans. In the consultation we propose that one of the purposes of these plans should be to show how the management of the landholding contributes to relevant land use, economic and community development priorities and opportunities, as set out in community plans, regional land use strategies, and national policy. Management plans could be used to identify areas of land suitable for disposal to local community organisations seeking to develop projects that will meet local needs. We sought views in the consultation on whether people agree that the Plans should provide information on developments/activities that will contribute to local and inclusive economic development or community wealth building.

We received over 540 responses to the consultation, and will consider views submitted on how management plans could contribute to community wealth building, as we develop the measures that will be included in the Bill. In addition, to support the development of legislation we have established a CWB Steering Group chaired by the Minister for Public Finance, Planning and Community Wealth. Representatives across the public, private and third sectors have been invited to provide ideas and insight as we develop legislative proposals. This includes consideration of issues linked to the use of land and property assets in both rural and urban areas.

There are currently a number of Scottish Government working groups that fall under the remit of Net Zero, Energy and Transport. A list of relevant groups has been provided below, set against the remit headings provided.

a)Climate Change

• Peatland Science and Technical Advisory Group (Peatland STAG)
• Analysis of Demand Management Options Steering Group
• National strategy for 20mph Working Group
• Zero Emission Truck Taskforce
• Private Water Supply Working Group
• Soils Working Group
• Wild Salmon Strategy Implementation Plan Advisory Group
• Scottish Forestry Customer Reps Group (CRG)
• Scottish Forestry CRG Tree on Farms sub group
• Scottish Forestry CRG Technical sub group
• Scottish Forestry National Stakeholder Group
• Scottish Blue Carbon Forum

b)Environment

• Contaminated Land Advisory Group
• Scottish Noise Mapping Stakeholder Group
• Cleaner Air for Scotland 2:

1. Ministerial Group

2. Delivery Group

3. Public engagement working group

4. Health working group

5. Agriculture and Environment working group

6. Domestic (household) emissions working group

7. Placemaking working group

• Air Quality - LAQM/CAA Review Group
• Zero Emission Truck Taskforce
• Scottish Forestry Phytopthora ramorum review working group
• Marine Litter Strategy Steering Group

c) Land Reform

• The Land Reform Bill Oversight Group

d) Green Skills

• Transport Sector Skills & CESAP Transport Policy Working Group
• Climate Emergency Skills Action Plan Implementation Steering Group

o Education subgroup

o Travel subgroup

o Heat in Buildings subgroup

e) Circular Economy

• Single Use Cups Charge Advisory Group
• Waste Data Strategy Board
• National Flytipping Forum
• Zero Waste & Circular Economy Programme Board
• Food Waste Reduction Programme Board,
• Recycling Improvement Fund Programme Board
• Waste & Resources Sector Forum
• Joint Scottish Government/Local Government Strategic Steering Group on Circular Economy & Waste
• Biodegradable Municipal Waste Landfill Programme Board
• Deposit Return Scheme System Wide Assurance Group
• Deposit Return Scheme Executive Oversight Group
• Deposit Return Scheme Communications and Engagement Group

f) Biodiversity

• Science Advisory Group for Scottish Biodiversity Strategy
• Raptors & Forestry Joint Working Group
• Black Grouse Working Group
• Capercaillie Working Group

The Joint Working Group, which includes COSLA and the Scottish Green Party commenced it work, initially focussing on targeted changes to Council Tax to reflect the current circumstances created by the cost crisis. The group will also consider approaches to longer term reform, utilising the development of effective deliberative engagement, on sources of Local Government funding and Council Tax. I will ensure that Parliament is kept appraised of this work at suitable junctures.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-12943 on 20 December 2022. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at /chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

As set out in the Bute House Agreement, the Joint Working Group comprises members of the Scottish Government working with the Scottish Green Party and COSLA. The Joint Working Group will consider and decide as appropriate whether to seek to engage various organisations or professional bodies as it approaches its work.

Equality Law and Employment Law, are reserved to the UK Parliament.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is the independent specialist body tasked to promoting and upholding equality and human rights ideals and laws across Scotland, England and Wales.

The EHRC publish guidance for employers, review the effectiveness of the law and take legal enforcement action to clarify the law and address significant breaches of rights.

In the absence of powers over employment law, the Scottish Government will do all it can within devolved powers to promote and embed fair and inclusive working practices and prevent issues such as workplace bullying or harassment. Please refer also to response to S6W-12749 on 19 December 2022.

All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at /chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers
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