The Manx National Farmers’ Union has used the weekend’s Southern Agricultural Show to highlight concerns over the Isle of Man’s reliance on imported food, warning that reversing the decline in island farming must become an urgent priority for the next government.

Visitors to the event at Orrisdale Farm were greeted by an MNFU stand highlighting that 94% of the island’s food is imported, while they were invited to consider what questions future MHKs should be answering about the future of Manx farming.

The display formed part of the union’s ongoing campaign to raise awareness of food security and the challenges facing the island’s agricultural sector ahead of September’s House of Keys general election.

The organisation describes farming as a cornerstone of the Isle of Man’s economy, landscape and culture, but warns that the sector has faced significant challenges over the past 15 years, including reduced market opportunities, price pressures, trade disruption and changing policies.

The union says the number of farm holdings has fallen by 25% since 2016, while local produce now accounts for only 6% of food retail sales.

It argues that increased reliance on imported food leaves the island more vulnerable to external pressures and is calling for greater support for domestic production.

In its manifesto, the MNFU states: ‘This manifesto calls on our future politicians to urgently strengthen food security and support our farmers to deliver long-term sustainability for the Isle of Man.’

Among its key requests are targeted funding for active farmers, improved access to local and UK markets, support for exports, and measures to increase local food consumption to at least 25% within five years.

The union is also calling for Government procurement policies to prioritise Manx produce and for continued alignment with UK legislation and regulatory frameworks to help facilitate trade.

One politician who visited the MNFU stand during the Southern Agricultural Show was Ramsey Town Commissioner Juan McGuinness, who travelled to Orrisdale Farm to support the event.

He said: ‘The show is always a great opportunity to see Manx livestock and poultry up close, and the metal Loaghtan sculpture was particularly impressive.

‘One of the clearest messages from the farming displays was the importance of food security and making Manx produce easier for people to buy.

‘One display stated that 94% of the island’s food is imported, while visitors were being asked what questions future MHKs should be answering about the future of Manx farming.

‘Supporting local business matters at every stage of the supply chain, from the farm gate through to the shops and businesses that sell it.

‘People can only choose to support Manx producers if Manx produce is visible, available and convenient to buy.’

The MNFU said the industry had been placed under increasing pressure in recent years, with the organisation warning that current trends are threatening the island’s long-term food resilience.