The success of the island’s food producers gives the Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Geoffrey Boot ’confidence in the future’.

He was speaking at the presentation of the annual Food, Farming and Fishing awards, which recognise the best of Manx food production.

Mr Boot said: ’Congratulations to all the winners of this year’s awards.

’Innovation and diversification are key elements to the growth of our local economy. I hope that by seeing how these businesses are achieving success in their communities, others will be given the inspiration and confidence to continue to invest and expand their own businesses.’

The winners at the 2019 awards were: Morgan’s Pies Limited (Food); Ballagawne Farm Limited (Farming); Isle of Man Seafood Products Limited (Fishing); Glendown Farm (Diversification; and Georgie Revill, The Cook Shack (Special Recognition Award).

Georgie Revill, whose business is based in Bride, said she was ’honoured’ to be presented with the special recognition award, adding: ’My mission was to promote local produce and producers so I’m absolutely delighted to be recognised.’

Lee and Helen Morgan, of Douglas, said they were ’very happy but equally surprised’ to win the food award and praised all their staff, calling their success ’a proper team effort’.

Michelle Cain and Maria Parsons, who collected Peel- based Isle of Man Seafood Products’ award, said it was recognition of ’all the work we’ve put in shows where we’re going forward’.

Will Cain, said Glendown Farm’s award came from the Port St Mary business seeking to find different incomes which led to the creation of its campsite. He said the farm is ’always looking for what more we can add without adding too much more work’.

David Cooil, of Ballagawne Farm, Ballabeg, won the farming category. He said the recognition ’made all the early starts worth it’. He added: ’It is good to be recognised for our hard work.’ Mr Cooil also said that as a dairy and beef farmer, he is hoping the island can continue to grow its food industry.

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