Stability and simplicity: proposals for a rural funding transition period

5. Timescales for Change

We are proposing a transition period lasting for approximately five years from the day the UK leaves the EU on 29 March 2019. This would be comprised of the intended 'implementation period' of two years, during which Scotland as part of the UK would be expected to continue to implement all EU rules on CAP and would be followed by a further three years, from January 2021. During this period we will seek to introduce practical simplifications and improvements in customer service where this maintains or enhances delivery of public benefits and straightforward changes that improve delivery of policy outcomes.

During this five year period of stability we will develop a new rural policy framework for Scotland aimed at ensuring that public investments in social, economic and environmental capital reflect our ambitions for sustainable, inclusive growth across rural Scotland. This government remains committed to continuing to support farming and food production as part of this wider approach. The intention would be to begin implementation of the new policy and support framework from financial year 2024-25.

• April 2019 to March 2024 [ Implementation/Transition Period] – if a Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and EU is reached, we expect to align our 'implementation period' with the terms of the Agreement to ensure consistency for farmers. This is expected to be between March 2019 and December 2020.
• Beyond 1 April 2024 [ Scotland's Rural Economy - New Policy Period]