Manx Farmers are the backbone of our island’s community and are custodians of the environment. The Covid lockdown has shown us the importance of supporting local food producers. The food produced is currently worth around £76m annually, adding in the multiplier effect it is worth around £140m to the economy. The food and drink festival is a tremendous showcase for our unique Manx produce. It highlights the very low food miles and low carbon footprint. The Government must help farmers and producers to diversify further and to develop their products giving more added value and assisting with finding new opportunities to export food products.
The new Agri-environment scheme is aimed at helping farmers contribute further to the environment and UNESCO Biosphere. The Manx Wildlife Trust are working closely with the Manx farming community to help achieving this aim. The government should continue in supporting farmers who embrace new technology, biodiversity and sustainable methods of working.
The fishing industry has had a very hard time since Brexit. The Isle of Man is considered to be one of the leaders in sustainability and the conservation of shellfish in the Irish sea. The current route for exported fish is via Glasgow then Denmark which may well need further government support.
