’A more commercially focused plant providing better returns for farmers.’

This is the aim of Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture (pictured).

He said this as the new operator, the Isle of Man Meat Company Ltd, met with producers, butchers, retailers and the Manx National Farmers’ Union.

The meeting was led by Andrew MacDonald, a senior consultant with UK agricultural consultants Laurence Gould Partnership Ltd and now a director of IoMMCL.

The loss-making plant was formerly ran by Fatstock Marketing Association, but in 2016 50% of all Manx livestock was exported to the UK for slaughter while the annual subsidy rose to nearly £1.4m.

Mr Boot said: ’Giving the plant new impetus will help all those in the supply chain while, over time, lessening the cost to the taxpayer of supporting it.’

The new operators, will attempt to raise output and improve on the marketing of local meats.

It had been announced by the Treasury that the plant would receive £1m in extra funding during the handover to the new board with a view to gradually reduce the annual subsidy.

Talking of the meeting with producers and retailers, Mr Boot said: ’We want the entire sector’s input on how animals are sourced from farms.

’From this, we will develop a transparent purchasing process that everyone can rely on.’

He said that this transparency was likely to play a role in the success of the plant, particularly as more people seek to know where their food is coming from.

A spokesman for the DEFA told the Examiner: ’There is proven demand from consumers for high quality, locally reared Manx meat where the provenance can be tracked back to the farmer, which imported meat is unable to do.’

The department admitted there had been mistakes made in the past, but hopes the more open ’from farm to fork’ approach will help the new operators appeal to local consumers.

The DEFA says it believes the more professional and focused board will be able to compete with importers of red meat hoping ’as much Manx produced meat as possible to remain in the island.’

Isle of Man Meat Company Ltd is said to already have began developing its new marketing strategy to match this aim.

The DEFA stated it believes this will include an aggressive campaign highlighting: ’The benefits of purchasing Manx meat.

’For instance, for every £1 spent on local food it is worth £1.83 to the Manx economy.

’Buying Manx meat will not only ensure the agricultural sector’s future but also that the island’s wonderful landscapes are there for future generations.’