News information - 21st July 2008:

Having a field day

Two hundred and fifty gallons of paint have been poured into a message of thanks from the farming industry

  Please click here to link to the final image on the I Love Manx website

Members of the agricultural community spent a week creating the slogan 'Thanks for Choosing Manx' on a field at East Baldwin. The 44 metre high lettering is visible from the mountain road and thanks the public for buying local produce.
 
The Manx National Farmers' Union came up with the idea as part of their joint initiative with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - the I Love Manx Campaign.
 
Union member and livestock farmer Graham Crowe said: "I was approached with an idea to use bales to spell out a message on a prominent field in the valley and I came up with the suggestion of using the paint that is used on sports pitches to set out logos. There's been a good deal of co-operation between all the different parties involved. DAFF field officers together with Union members have marked the field out - using a variety of intriguing methods. Manx NFU members, DAFF employees and members of the Young Farmers' Federation have come together to work on a joint large-scale project. It's a way of thanking those people who, as purchasers of local produce, are a vital part of our industry."

Also enjoying the day was Howard Quayle, President of the Manx NFU, who said; "This is a fun way of getting people together to thank the Manx public for making the right choice when they shop and buying local home-produced food."

Agriculture Minister, Phil Gawne commented; "It is great to see the Island's farming industry coming together to show how much we value the support of our customers who buy our wonderful fresh Manx produce."  He added "Local sales have increased significantly over the last few years as more and more people realise just how good Manx food has become and this is an enjoyable way of celebrating the success."

The message reflects the current theme of the I Love Manx Campaign, which will have a presence at both of the Island's Agricultural Shows.
 
ENDS

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CONTACTS:

Hon. Phil Gawne, MHK, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tel: 01624 834844 e-mail: phil.gawne@gov.im

Howard Quayle, President of the Manx NFU, Tel: 01624 851659
Mobile: 496038

Belinda Leach, General Secretary of the Manx NFU Tel: 01624 662204
Mobile: 07624 409327 e-mail: gensec@manx-nfu.org

Alison Teare, I Love Manx Coordinator Mobile: 07624 337865