The Manx National Farmers Union presented to Tynwald last week, covering matters affecting farming and food production, and raising awareness of the contribution Manx Agriculture continues to make towards the environment and our food security.

The event began with an impressive lunch created by talented chefs Maciej and Paulina of Isle of Box using all Manx Produce kindly supplied by Isle of Man Meats, Isle of Man Creameries, Allanson’s Manx Produce, Noa Bakehouse, and Staarvey Farm among others.

The Union President, Ean Parsons, introduced the Union, and outlined the benefits agriculture brings to the island, noting that Manx farmers care for 88% of the island’s beautiful landscape, including over 5000km of hedgerows. He spoke about agriculture being the only sector able to sequester carbon. Chris Kneale of Rural Business Consultancy highlighted the challenges for farm businesses and local food producers in the current climate, emphasising that ’profitable farmers do, unprofitable farmers can’t’.

Vice-President Murray Cringle commented on matters around food security and the importance of acknowledging the need for long-term planning in agriculture.

The event was well attended by the Tynwald Members who engaged in conversations around environmental challenges, future energy solutions, input costs, routes to market, and the long-term food security strategy for the Island. The MNFU would like to thank all those that attended, and all contributors to the event.