- protecting our beautiful landscape, most of which is managed by farmers
- protecting the diversity of wildlife habitats that Manx farming promotes
- ensuring land continues to be used for food production rather than, for example, housing
- encouraging innovation and enterprise in the home market place
- helping
to combat climate change (if everyone in Britain bought local food our
carbon emissions would reduce by 10%)
Manx agriculture is facing the biggest change since the invention of the tractor. The red meat derogation will be, we’re told, lost for ever.
The red meat derogation, which has been in place since 1982, allows the Isle of Man to limit the amount of red meat it imports. (Prior to this the 1934 Marketing Act achieved a similar end). Under this agreement with the European Union, of which the Isle of Man is an Associate Member, the Island is allowed to limit meat imports to just 20%. That means 80% of the red meat available on the Island is home produced. This derogation has been a major driver in the farming industry and the majority of Manx agriculture is focused on either rearing animals, or growing food to feed to animals.
Production costs are higher on the Island than in the UK, therefore the derogation has been essential to maintaining a market advantage for Manx farmers who would otherwise find it very hard to compete on price.
I Love Manx CampaignThe Manx National Farmers' Union set up a joint campaign with the Isle of Man DAFF in 2003, now replaced by the newly formed Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture to provide the Manx public with clear information about how and where to buy Manx produce. The I Love Manx website was relaunched at the end of 2008 packed with loads of ideas, recipes and much, much more... Click here
The
Manx NFU is proud to work with NFU Mutual
Insurance - Click here