Rural Affairs and the Environment (RAE) Consultation on the Research Strategy for 2016-2021.

2. Context

2.1 Rural Affairs and Environment portfolio (RAE)

This consultation concerns the land based investment in research made by RESAS and the strategy to be adopted for the commissioning of work for the 2016-2021 period. It represents a contribution to the broader RAE landscape of science complementing existing sectoral strategies, including marine and the strategies of CAMERAS partners.

The RAE portfolio also includes forestry for which Forest Research, a UK wide agency funded through Defra, is the SG's principal source of research and funding. Strategic priorities for that sector are set out in the 'Science and Innovation Strategy for Forestry in Great Britain'.

The RAE portfolio operates against a background of on-going change. For example, the SG is in the process of establishing a new food body, Food Standards Scotland (FSS), the role and functions of which may have implications for the work to be commissioned through this strategy. The SG will examine the merits of co-ordinating all SG funded research on food safety and nutrition, and what role FSS might or might not play in commissioning and directing that research after 2015.

2.2 The Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services (RESAS) contribution

The portfolio of strategic scientific research and related activities commissioned through RESAS supports the development and delivery of rural and environmental policy and the achievement of the Government's single purpose and wider objectives as set out in the National Performance Framework .

The RESAS portfolio has a particular focus on supporting a Greener, Smarter and Wealthier Scotland and contributes towards the achievement of a number of national outcomes including:

• We value and enjoy our built and natural environment and protect it and enhance it for future generations;
• We reduce the local and global environmental impact of our consumption and production;
• We are better educated, more skilled and more successful, renowned for our research and innovation.

The specific contribution made by the RESAS investment in scientific research is to underpin our rural communities and businesses; the productivity and profitability of our agricultural sector; the sustainable use of our natural resources; the prevention and effective management and control of animal and plant diseases and our ability to respond effectively to global challenges including sustainable nutrition and climate change.

Through repeated funding cycles RESAS has maintained long-term investment in Scotland's capability and capacity in this area of land-based science, notably through its Main Research Providers (MRPs)^[2] . We estimate that our investment supports some 1790 jobs including 440 highly-skilled posts.

The skills and expertise maintained through this investment are highly valued by funders and scientific collaborators alike with the result that these Scottish-based researchers are active in many countries across the globe. We estimate that in 2012-2013 our funding for the MRPs was instrumental in levering an additional £23 M from other sources with over £9 M of this from funding for industry related research.

Internationally Scotland has established a hard won and enviable reputation for the quality of its agricultural and environmental research. A very significant benefit of this is Scotland's capacity to understand and use, for Scotland's benefit, the outputs of research funded and/or undertaken by others.

2.3 'Scotland's Future' - the Scottish Independence Debate

This consultation takes place against the backdrop of the Scottish Independence debate. The period covered by this strategy and the programme of work to be commissioned through it may coincide with the start of Scotland's future life as an independent country.

The White Paper on 'Scotland's Future' makes clear that a strong research base is essential to the ambitions of a strong and confident Scotland. A clear message is recognition that the best research takes place across boundaries, be they political, geographical, organisational or disciplinary. Scotland will ensure that appropriate systems and structures are in place to enable Scottish-based researchers to remain active and valued contributors to the UK research base and to the wider international scientific community.

'Scotland's Future' also re-states the SG's commitment to the sectors and assets to be supported through this research strategy.

• It recognises that Scotland's agricultural sector underpins the rural economy and our successful food and drink sector. Scotland's farmers and crofters, in their stewardship of our land, contribute greatly to our natural heritage, and support our environment and successful tourism sector;
• Scotland's rural and island communities are a significant and prominent part of our nation, culture and economy. Rural Scotland is a significant part of Scotland's economy as a whole and intrinsic to Scotland's identity, and to our appeal as a visitor destination;
• Scotland has a spectacular natural environment and rich biodiversity. The Scottish Government recognises that our natural assets underpin our economy and the health and wellbeing of our citizens and visitors;
• Scotland's rich natural resources are central to our identity as a country and as a people. They underpin the growth of a thriving rural economy and the industries of tourism, farming, fishing, forestry and food and drink, as well as new opportunities in renewable energy.