Farmers, crofters, land managers, and rural communities are an essential part of Scotland’s economy and identity. The Scottish Government’s Rural Support Plan (RSP), which was published in March 2026, set outs the framework for agricultural support that active farmers and crofters should expect over the next five years. The Government has stated that it is “absolutely committed to working in partnership with industry as we deliver the Vision for Agriculture."
The Rural Affairs Committee agreed to hold a short, snapshot inquiry into the RSP to scrutinise how it will work in practice; timescales; how far farmers, crofters and the wider agricultural sector are meaningfully involved; and whether it gives clear direction on climate action.
The RSP is described as a partnership agreement between industry and government. It aims to enable rural businesses to succeed in the face of challenges, and for the Scottish Government to deliver on its wider economic, environmental and social goals.
This short inquiry will focus on how successfully the RSP provides:
The aim of the inquiry is to provide independent scrutiny of the RSP and make recommendations to the Scottish Government.
The Committee plans to undertake the following activities for its inquiry:
Evidence sessions will take place on 2 September, 9 September and 16 September.
The Committee plans to publish its findings around the end of October 2026.