Manx farmers will receive the final payment from the Isle of Man Government’s Agricultural Development Scheme (ADS) a month ahead of schedule because of the global coronavirus pandemic, it emerged today (Sunday).

Qualifying farmers receive their ADS payment in three instalments with the final balancing payment due at the end of April 2020.

The Isle of Man Government will instead bring the final payment forward to ease the pressures farmers are facing to meet their requirements to tend to their stock whilst under COVID-19 movement restrictions.

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for the Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: ’Spring is a very busy time of year for most off our farmers; it is the peak time of year for cattle calving, obviously lambing is in full swing and there is spring planting and sowing to get done.

’We have brought forward this payment to help ease some pressure during this unprecedented time.’

Meanwhile Findlay Macleod, managing director of the Isle of Man Creamery said there had been an unprecedented number of calls to the business which is a farmer owned co-operative.

He said the Creamery has added thousands of new delivery customers, and that panic buying is said to have subsided.

Mr MacLeod also told how the organisation has had to take on new employees in customer service and six delivery drivers to cope with the demand.

In addition the Creamery was also looking to take on four new drivers.

He said doorstep deliveries were key at the moment as this linked in with the government’s policy of people staying at home during the crisis.

Meanwhile Mr Boot confirmed the government has announced a package of financial support for Manx seafood businesses to help protect their future during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said: ’We are living in unprecedented times and as such our response must be quick and meaningful.

’This support will help the Manx fishing fleet and many local seafood businesses to weather this difficult storm and prevent lasting damage to the industry for the benefit of the Isle of Man people.’

The seafood sector, including processing, is worth an estimated £20m a year on the Isle of Man and the grant scheme will make more than £370,000 available over a 12 week period, with all existing support schemes continuing as normal.

Based on a proportion of normal trading, grants will be available to eligible seafood businesses which meet the scheme criteria relating to the scale and nature of their business in buying fish and fish products in the last financial year and to the owners of appropriately licensed Manx registered vessels. Under the scheme registered owners of fishing vessels which are 12 metres or longer could receive £500 a week and those under 12 metres, £150 a week, to help pay for basic operational and maintenance costs.

Mr Boot continued: ’The Isle of Man Government’s package of financial support will help the most vulnerable fisheries businesses in the short term, so that they can continue to provide food and employment in the long term.’

Those in receipt of financial assistance under the scheme are not prevented from fishing, although the government strongly advises them to ensure that there is a suitable market for their catch.

Over the coming weeks the Isle of Man Government says it will continue to work closely with fishing industry representatives, and will keep the support package under regular review as the situation evolves.