Why buy Manx? Buying Manx produce means that you are supporting Manx food producers. But when you buy local you're not just purchasing excellent quality food, you are also: 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%) Changes on the horizon 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. How is the industry facing up to this challenge? Click here soon

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