Island must reduce reliance on imported food

MNFU welcomes Tesco deal but urges more support for Manx producers

The Isle of Man must reduce its reliance on imported food and make more local products available for purchase.

The message comes from the Manx National Farmers Union, based on government figures that show only six percent of food consumed on the Island is produced locally.

MNFU General Secretary, Sarah Comish says that the comparable figure in Jersey is much higher at 20 percent - despite the Channel Island having considerably less capacity.

There was some good news in recent days with the operators of the Island's Meat Plant announcing that plans are underway for a profitable Manx meat range to be made available in all of the Island's 10 Tesco stores.

The Isle of Man Meat Company revealed the news along with a list of key improvements made at the Tromode facility since its new board took control at the end of September last year.

Whilst welcoming the possibility of more Manx meat being sold locally, the MNFU stresses the importance of local producers also having access to other markets if the sector is to remain viable.