Union criticises new industry grant scheme
The Manx National Farmers' Union has fired a broadside at the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.
The Union calls DEFA's latest consultation on proposals for an integrated Agriculture and Fisheries Grant Scheme, "inward-looking, navel-gazing and deckchair-moving"
The statement suggests the proposals move the targeted schemes approved by Tynwald to a broad, less accountable, subjective scheme which is distributed on the whim of a civil servant.
And minister Richard Ronan is criticised for lacking "knowledge, understanding, commitment and direction"
Speaking on last night's "Countryside" programme, MNFU President Brian Brumby said there was a disconnect between the department and Manx farmers - who hadn't been made aware of any problems with the current grant schemes.
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