20 May 2016

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon met EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan at Bute House.

This was the first meeting between the First Minister and the Commissioner and an opportunity to introduce the new Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing.

The meeting covered various topics of mutual interest including farm payments.

The First Minister and Mr Ewing discussed with the Commissioner the challenges faced in this first year of CAP reforms.

It was a good discussion and the First Minister and Mr Ewing found the meeting with the Commissioner to be very positive.