Posted
15th February 2010
Manx NFU applauds Ministerial change of
heart
The Manx NFU, a number of MHKs and MLCs along with members of the public, objected to plans, announced at the start of the month, on the demotion of Agriculture to a position in a proposed Department of Community, Culture and Leisure.
Following a fortnight of intense lobbying the Manx NFU is delighted that the Chief Minister has revised his plans, and now intends to put forward, to Tynwald this week, a revised proposal that the responsibilities of DAFF be incorporated into a new Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.
Commenting on this major change to the restructuring plans, Howard Quayle, President of the Manx NFU said: "I congratulate the Chief Minister on giving Agriculture and the whole of Manx food production the position that they deserve. It is good to see our leading politician reinforcing his support for Agriculture with demonstrable action.
We have been overwhelmed by the support of our membership, members of the public and the practical action taken by Members of Tynwald and the Legislative Council, who could see the pitfalls in the original CoMin proposals. Sustainable food production and the ongoing management of our environment should be at the heart of Isle of Man Government policy. This shift shows a strong acknowledgment of that fact and we applaud the Chief Minister for taking our views, and those of many other interested individuals and parties on board."
END
Notes:
- The Chief Minister's statement was released on 15/02/2010 re 02/10 media enquiries should be put directly to the Chief Minister or via Alistair Ramsay Tel: 01624 686243 Fax: 01624 685710 or e-mail: alistair.ramsay@cso.gov.im
- For further comment from
the Manx NFU please contact General Secretary, Belinda Leach Tel: 01624
662204 or Mobile: 07624 490327 or the President of the Manx NFU
President, Howard Quayle Mobile: 07624 496038
