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Wed, 11 Oct 2023
The Manx National Farmers Union (MNFU) call upon the Chief Minister, Council of Ministers, and Members of Tynwald to convene an emergency meeting with all producers and processors to discuss steps that will be undertaken to protect existing business in the Isle of Man.
This comes after the announcement on the takeover of the Shoprite chain by Tesco; MNFU say that the news has ‘understandably caused considerable alarm in the Manx Farming sector’.
It said: “The prospect of one retailer now almost fully dominating the food sector in the Isle of Man, and an eroded commitment to Manx produce, compounded by the continuously escalating high cost of import and export for the industry, presents a significant risk to the survival of local food production.
“Manx producers are now exposed to the potential of a purchasing monopsony. These are real threats that have yet to be realised by our Ministers and Government decision makers.
“The IOM Government needs to act decisively, show commitment to local producers, and back Manx Farming.”
The Union says it has been ‘disappointed’ by the comments from our Chief Minister, and the Minister for the Department of Enterprise.
Adding: “It is evident that they have not recognised the risks and vulnerabilities that our producers and processors have. Manx producers are investing now in the food production required for the next few years, and our Government consistently fails to take account of this.”
Speaking on a food industry that is now ‘seriously under threat’, MNFU warns that if Government do not address all these risks effectively and immediately, it could well deliver the terminal blow to many local producers.
It has been acknowledged by the Farmers Union that there may be opportunities, yet to be presented, which could benefit the local food industry and have responded positively to Tesco’s statement regarding engagement with local suppliers.
MNFU advises Tesco to revisit original buy-local strategy on the Island as it would ‘go a long way to demonstrating their commitment and investment in the Island’s economy’.
As a producer representative body, it has applauded local retailer Robinson’s for both its long-term commitments to local producers and its ‘consistent support and promotion of high-quality Manx Produce’.
The Union says Robinsons ‘have always had a key role in the delivery of local produce, and we hope this will continue’.
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