Former minister questions farmers’ union over its criticism of department

A former Isle of Man Government minister who lost her seat in September’s General Election has questioned the Manx National Farmers’ Union’s criticism of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA).

Dr Michelle Haywood, who previously represented Rushen in the House of Keys and served as Infrastructure Minister, responded to the union’s declaration of no confidence in the department’s senior leadership on her new page and blog, ‘From Rushen with Love’.

The MNFU announced its decision after raising concerns about escalating costs, declining farm profitability and the future of local food production.

In an open letter to Chief Minister Chris Thomas, DEFA chief executive officer Mark Lewin and Members of Tynwald, the union said confidence in the department’s senior leadership had ‘broken down’.

It said it had ‘consistently and repeatedly raised concerns over trade, escalating input costs, declining farm profitability, increasingly restricted routes to market and the consequential contraction of agricultural businesses which in turn deepens risks for the island’s food security’.

The union also accused DEFA of failing to ‘adequately represent or respond to the industry’s needs’, adding that its senior leadership had not been ‘capable of delivering what the industry urgently requires’.

However, Dr Haywood challenged the union’s position in a post addressed directly to its members.

She wrote: ‘Dear MNFU, you do realise that DEFA isn’t just responsible for farming don’t you?’

She pointed out that the department oversees a range of other areas, including animal health, fisheries, environmental protection, environmental health, forestry, building control, planning, climate change and energy policy.

Dr Haywood added: ‘There’s so much more to DEFA than farming. Farming has its own dedicated director who was a farmer.

‘The CO doesn’t need to be a farmer to understand the pressures farmers face. He does understand if your current business model doesn’t work without large government subsidies.’

Her comments have prompted reactions online, with some people criticising her position and questioning whether it reflects the challenges currently facing the agricultural sector.

The dispute comes as the incoming administration considers its approach to the department and its relationship with the island’s farming industry.

In response to the MNFU’s letter, a government spokesperson said discussions with the union would be prioritised as the new administration took shape and a new DEFA minister was appointed.

The spokesperson said the formation of a new administration presented an opportunity to establish a constructive relationship with the sector.

‘The incoming minister will engage with the MNFU, stakeholders and departmental officers before deciding whether changes are needed,’ they added.

Government officers are arranging a meeting with the union and its board within 10 working days.

The government has pledged to discuss the concerns raised, including agricultural policy, farming and the viability of local food production.

The MNFU has said it remains willing to work with government to find solutions, but believes senior leadership must accept accountability and take action to address the issues facing the industry.

New Chief Minister Chris Thomas is expected to announce his Council of Ministers, including a new DEFA Minister, imminently.

Kirrie Jenkins, who lost out to Mr Thomas in Tuesday’s Chief Minister election, is among those heavily tipped to take on the role given her farming background.