Lib Dem MSP Mike Rumbles asks about the cabinet secretary's vision for agriculture post-Brexit.

Mr Ewing says he anticipates direct payments to continue into the future, suggesting the UK government seems to be looking to stop them from 2027-28.

My vision is that farmers should be supported by the public and appreciated for what they do, he says, and adds that stopping direct payments is not the way to do this.

The cabinet secretary says there is room for progress in some farming areas, such as improvements on greening measures and diversification.

"I'm quite ambitious for Scotland," he states.

Image source, bbc

The farmer of the herd found with BSE in Aberdeenshire has spoken of his devastation.

Movement restrictions at Boghead Farm in Lumsden were introduced after so-called mad cow disease was found in one cow.

Speaking through NFU Scotland, Thomas Jackson said: "This has been a very difficult time - we have found the situation personally devastating."

It is the first case of its kind in Scotland in a decade.

• What you need to know about BSE

Image source, PA

All required steps have been taken to protect consumers, food safety, and the farming and food sectors after BSE was found in Aberdeenshire, Rural Affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon has said.

Movement restrictions at Boghead Farm in Lumsden were introduced last week after so-called mad cow disease was found in one dead animal.

MSP Alexander Burnett asked what assurances could be provided.

Ms Gougeon told the Scottish Parliament a detailed investigation was under way.

Read more here.

Image source, bbc

Tory MSP Peter Chapman begins by asking about the BSE investigations.

Mr Ewing replies: "The news is hugely disappointing to have the confirmed case of BSE in Aberdeenshire."

"There is no risk to consumer health, " adds the cabinet secretary.

He explains the investigation will take time.

Elinor Mitchell from the Scottish government explains yesterday the three cohort animals and one offspring were culled on the farm.

These will be tested, she explains.

Image source, Getty Images

In May, BBC Scotland reported that a long-anticipated review into how EU farm subsidies are distributed between Scotland and the rest of the UK had been delayed.

EU Convergence Uplift payments of £190m were triggered because of the low rate paid to hill farmers in Scotland.

But the money was shared out by the Treasury across the UK farming sector.

The terms of a review of the payments had been agreed but UK Environment Secretary Michael Gove said it had been held up by the Treasury.

Read more.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing provides details on payments made under the Common Agricultural Policy, with 99.6% of pillar 1 payments having been made and over 90% of pillar 2 payments made.

More information on this has been sent to the committee in writing. , external

We are working hard on Brexit, Mr Ewing states, including on the possibility of their being a no deal by discussing secondary legislation with UK counterparts.

The cabinet secretary says the Scottish government is hoping to give farmers and crofters stability and will aim to simplify farmer support payments.

New powers through primary legislation will be required from 2021 onwards, he tells the committee.

Image source, bbc

The committee is hearing from:

• Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing
• Elinor Mitchell from the Scottish government
• David Barnes from the Scottish government
• Ian Davidson from the Scottish government
• Douglas Petrie from the Scottish government

The rural economy committee, external will begin shortly with an update from the Scottish government on agriculture.

The session forms part of a series of regular updates to monitor current issues relevant to the agriculture sector.

Read the committee papers here. , external

Welcome to Holyrood Live on Wednesday 31 October 2018.

The rural economy secretary provides MSPs with an update on agriculture this morning.

Image source, Getty Images

After lunch, communities, local government and social security ministers are up at portfolio questions.

The Scottish Conservatives then lead two debates: one on ferries, the other on early years.

SNP MSP Joan McAlpine ends the day with a member's debate on pinewood forest restoration.