Steering group formed to review options
The environment, food and agriculture minister says his department remains committed to the long-term future of the meat plant on Island.
Geoffrey Boot was speaking in the House of Keys this morning in reply to a question from North Douglas MHK David Ashford.
Mr Boot told the House the meat plant business had struggled since the loss of the EU derogation in 2010, which previously restricted the importation of red meat imports, leading to a fall in the consumption of locally produced meat.
A steering group made up of DEFA officers, IOM meat directors, Manx National Farmers' Union representatives and the agricultural marketing society has been set up to consider the operation of the Fatstock Marketing Association.
Mr Boot said ways of delivering local meat to the Island with or without a meat plant, and four options for how to proceed, are now being considered:
Bird flu warning after outbreak in Yorkshire
Sexual Health Centre temporarily closes for move
Rising university fees push more Manx students to consider studying locally
HMRC names Isle of Man firm in tax avoidance scheme
