I was invited to talk to BBC Radio 4 about the reasons behind our recent Manx National Farmers Union Petition calling for more Manx produced food to be available in Supermarkets on Island and through IOM Government, listen to the episode about Food on the Isle of Man here.

So some contrasts on food production on the Isle of Man – some wonderful work being done by local businesses, including our farmer co-operative IOM Creamery, and recognition of the hard work done by IOM Fishermen to recover the queen scallop industry, and a little bit about why all this wonderful produce is at high risk of being lost, which is a direct threat to our Food Security.

Traditional Manx Farming has created the landscape that achieved Biosphere Status, and continues to produce exceptional food in the same traditional way while increasing the ways they protect the environment – so why is this not valued anymore?

With this fabulous local produce occupying just 6% of total food retail on Island, and land used for agriculture declining, this marks a significant drop in production from where we once were.

We have a mix of smallholders, small and large farms, and individuals all providing exceptional products, and capable of producing more, why is so little of it sitting on the shelves of our supermarkets (with the exception of the fabulous Isle of Man Creameries products from our dairy producers of course!), and why has IOM Government not invested more in its food economy on the this wonderful Biosphere Island by ensuring its own procurement sources Manx produced food?

If you want to support Manx Farming and Food sign our petition here.