Farmers union wants answers

MNFU issues statement after figures show tripling in director fees at Isle of Man Meats

A union representing Manx farmers is demanding answers as to why payments to Board Members of Isle of Man Meats were allowed to increase.

The MNFU has issued a statement after figures from the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture showed total compensation had more than tripled over the last three fiscal years.

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It wants further explanation as to who signed off on a change to the structure of Board Members payments, and it wants DEFA to 'clearly evidence' how the increased fees claimed have delivered tangible benefits and improvements to the operations of the Meat Plant.

In issuing this statement, the MNFU has aligned itself with the Fatstock Marketing Association, which said it was 'shocked and dismayed' by the payments.

Manx Radio has contacted the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture and Isle of Man Meats for a response.

Statement in full

'The MNFU has written to the Chairman and Board of Directors of Isle of Man Meats Ltd, and the Department of Environment Food and Agriculture Minister, with the following questions;-

'The MNFU have reviewed the written response to the question from the Hon Member for Onchan, Ms Edge, requesting clarity on payments to Board Members of IOM Meats Ltd.

'It could be considered reasonable to anticipate some payment to Board Members in return for taking on the responsibilities of a Directorship, and time commitment.

'However the significantly increasing expenditure, via invoices and a change to Board Members payments, needs further explanation. Who would sign off on a change to the structure of Board Members payments?

'The Board of the MNFU therefore ask the Minister for Department of Environment Food and Agriculture, and the Board of Directors of IOM Meats Ltd to clearly evidence how the increased fees claimed by both the Chairman and the Directors have delivered tangible benefits and improvements to the operations of the Plant, providing value for money to both the agricultural industry that relies on the Plant, and the taxpayer.

'Has DEFA as the majority shareholder set any parameters on the appointed Board and has there been ongoing scrutiny on any improvements delivered as a result of additional expenditure? Can these improvements be evidenced by either the Board or DEFA as Shareholder?

'The MNFU Board request that, if some of the expenditure can be allocated to a DEFA commissioned report, that this report be published. Have any recommendations of any such report been implemented at the Plant, which could evidence delivering improvements?

'We hope to receive a response within a reasonable timeframe.'