Government 'urgently' needs to make Manx food production more competitive, says farmer

It's as MNFU calls for more food eaten here to be made here

Government 'urgently' needs to make Manx food production more competitive, according to a local farmer.

It's as the Manx National Farmers' Union has launched a petition calling for more food consumed here to be produced here.

Recent government figures show the Isle of Man is nearly 100 percent dependent on imported food, which isn't sustainable for farming or the economy.

Stuart Meade is from Red Mie farm near Ballaugh and says intervention is needed:

Meanwhile, the environment, food and agriculture minister says she fully supports the petition.

Clare Barber is hopeful the Food Security Plan and the Agricultural Strategy, passed in Tynwald in November 2024, will help to ease the pressure on local producers.

She's been speaking to Amy Griffiths.

You can find a link to the MNFU's petition here.

Government is currently conducting a survey hoping to help it understand people's shopping habits and what would encourage people to buy more local produce.

You can take part in that survey here.