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Government 'committed to working with Manx farmers'

Reassurance from chief minister following Shoprite sale

The chief minister has reiterated government's commitment to working with Manx farmers following the sale of Shoprite to Tesco.

The Manx National Farmers Union has said Monday's announcement was 'as much breaking news to the Island's agricultural and food production industry as it was to everyone else'.

It added that the takeover has caused 'considerable alarm' in the Manx farming sector.

In response Alfred Cannan has released the following statement to Manx Radio.

He said: "The Isle of Man Government is committed to continuing to work with the Manx National Farmers Union and all Manx producers, suppliers and distributors, with supporting transitional arrangements for those who currently supply Shoprite and Tesco being a primary focus.

"Through the Department for Enterprise and Department of Environment, Food & Agriculture, the Isle of Man Government has been in regular contact with Tesco following their purchase of Shoprite earlier this week to understand the immediate impact on local staff and suppliers.

"We are fully focused on working to ensure our local food and drink producers can continue to supply to their customers and expect Tesco to share further updates over the coming days."

Earlier, the enterprise minister described the retail giant’s takeover of Shoprite stores as a ‘shock’ saying there’s been no ‘proper dialogue’ about the move.

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