Budget news
information
- 20th March 2007:
First step towards a profitable future for Manx farming
x
Manx NFU president gives cautious welcome to new money
Howard Quayle, president of the Manx National Farmers' Union, today congratulated DAFF Minister, Phil Gawne, on pulling an exciting rabbit out of the Treasury's hat. Mr. Quayle also thanked Alan Bell, the Treasury Minister, for listening to the genuine and pressing needs of farmers.
"The injection of £5m into the agricultural industry shows the benefit of working with DAFF rather than against them. However farmers will see this new money as the first step up a long ladder. In addition the Manx NFU will continue to work for Business Development Support for individual farmers; money to fund appeals to the new Single Farm Payment, and assistance for new entrants to farming. We will work steadfastly for this additional help, and continue to apply additional pressure on the DAFF Minister when necessary."
It is expected that the £5m will go a long way in helping the Island's food processors to adapt and modernise; invest in developing new, more profitable markets; and return a fairer price to the farmer.
"Prices at the farm gate price have stagnated over the last twenty years. The changes facing us between now and 2010 must generate new profit into the industry if Manx food production and the continued stewardship of the countryside is not to suffer.
"The challenge is to ensure that farmers are treated fairly and feel the benefit of this injection of new money for the industry.
"Customers should also benefit. To retain consumer support on the Island, following the introduction of the free market in meat after 2010, we must work to make our prices more competitive. But, where shoppers have benefited from falling prices across the last twenty years, farm gate prices have flat lined. Farmers must be treated fairly. I sincerely hope this new money will result in fair trade with Island farmers."
Howard Quayle also welcomed money to honour current commitments to the Beef Quality Headage scheme, and the Minister's commitment to top up the shortfall in the Cereal Area Payments scheme. However, he also noted with regret that once again that there had been no inflationary rise for other support schemes. "The Manx NFU will continue to make a robust case for inflationary increases in farm support," said Mr. Quayle.
There was also enthusiasm for the Minister's commitment to recreate a passionate culture of Manx food on the Isle of Man.
"To live up to this promise the Minister must continue his commitment to promoting the excellent quality and high value of Manx food across the Island," said Mr. Quayle.
The Manx NFU has worked with DAFF to deliver the very successful I Love Manx campaign over the last year. "Through our hard work we have started to show customers that Manx food is both fantastic value and that it tastes great. With the support of the Island's media, and other partners, the message is being broadcast loud and clear. As a result meat imports dropped by almost 20% this year. This proves that given the choice - Manx people will choose high quality Manx food.
"We must continue to secure the loyalty of our customers, and our active campaigns on food miles; promoting environmental and welfare excellence; and showing clearly the importance of farming to the stewardship of the countryside, are all part of achieving this."
END
First step towards a profitable future for Manx farming
xManx NFU president gives cautious welcome to new money
Howard Quayle, president of the Manx National Farmers' Union, today congratulated DAFF Minister, Phil Gawne, on pulling an exciting rabbit out of the Treasury's hat. Mr. Quayle also thanked Alan Bell, the Treasury Minister, for listening to the genuine and pressing needs of farmers.
"The injection of £5m into the agricultural industry shows the benefit of working with DAFF rather than against them. However farmers will see this new money as the first step up a long ladder. In addition the Manx NFU will continue to work for Business Development Support for individual farmers; money to fund appeals to the new Single Farm Payment, and assistance for new entrants to farming. We will work steadfastly for this additional help, and continue to apply additional pressure on the DAFF Minister when necessary."
It is expected that the £5m will go a long way in helping the Island's food processors to adapt and modernise; invest in developing new, more profitable markets; and return a fairer price to the farmer.
"Prices at the farm gate price have stagnated over the last twenty years. The changes facing us between now and 2010 must generate new profit into the industry if Manx food production and the continued stewardship of the countryside is not to suffer.
"The challenge is to ensure that farmers are treated fairly and feel the benefit of this injection of new money for the industry.
"Customers should also benefit. To retain consumer support on the Island, following the introduction of the free market in meat after 2010, we must work to make our prices more competitive. But, where shoppers have benefited from falling prices across the last twenty years, farm gate prices have flat lined. Farmers must be treated fairly. I sincerely hope this new money will result in fair trade with Island farmers."
Howard Quayle also welcomed money to honour current commitments to the Beef Quality Headage scheme, and the Minister's commitment to top up the shortfall in the Cereal Area Payments scheme. However, he also noted with regret that once again that there had been no inflationary rise for other support schemes. "The Manx NFU will continue to make a robust case for inflationary increases in farm support," said Mr. Quayle.
There was also enthusiasm for the Minister's commitment to recreate a passionate culture of Manx food on the Isle of Man.
"To live up to this promise the Minister must continue his commitment to promoting the excellent quality and high value of Manx food across the Island," said Mr. Quayle.
The Manx NFU has worked with DAFF to deliver the very successful I Love Manx campaign over the last year. "Through our hard work we have started to show customers that Manx food is both fantastic value and that it tastes great. With the support of the Island's media, and other partners, the message is being broadcast loud and clear. As a result meat imports dropped by almost 20% this year. This proves that given the choice - Manx people will choose high quality Manx food.
"We must continue to secure the loyalty of our customers, and our active campaigns on food miles; promoting environmental and welfare excellence; and showing clearly the importance of farming to the stewardship of the countryside, are all part of achieving this."
END
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