Appointment of Four Government Nominees to the Isle of Man Agricultural Marketing Society Limited

On behalf of the Council of Ministers the Department invites applications from individuals to sit as Government nominated Directors on the Board of the Isle of Man Agricultural Marketing Society Limited (the Society). Four positions are available.

Manx Agriculture is experiencing a period of ongoing and sustained change. New opportunities are emerging and long established ways of operating are now being routinely challenged. The industry is adapting to change and looking forward, and the next four years will be a defining period for the Society. It must ether identify a clear purpose for itself which adds real value to the industry or it must seriously consider whether it is required at all.

The Society is a statutory body established under the powers of the Agricultural Marketing Act 1934. Reform of the Marketing Act in 2008 provides an opportunity for Society to reassess it position establish a broader role in the future.

The Society is responsible for

• The development of marketing schemes.

• Ensuring current marketing schemes remain fit for purposes and in the interest of the Manx agriculture, the food chain and the broader community. There are current two schemes in operation - the Fatstock Marketing Scheme and Milk Marketing Scheme.

• Acting as a conduit between the two established marketing associations, Government and the wider food chain.

• Acting as a custodian of the industry’s interest in both the market associations. Whereas both marketing associations are companies in their own right, they must seek Society’s approval before the formation or acquisition of subsidiary companies not wholly owned, the disposal of 25% or more of the company’s assets in any six month period, and the winding up of the company.

• Acting as a statutory consultee on any amendments to the Agricultural Marketing Act 1934, both agricultural marketing schemes (milk and Fatstock) and amendments to the Milk Price Order.

The positions are non-salaried; however, the successful candidates will be entitled to attendance allowance and travel expenses. The role is likely to involve quarterly meeting, plus occasional extra meetings.

The successful candidate is likely to:-

• have experience of delivering at a high level through a board or committee structure;

• be a good listener, strategic thinker and influencer;

• be a positive and innovative agent of change;

• have experience of business finance, sales and marketing;

• have an awareness of consumer needs and trends in the food sector.

Please apply to: the Minister at the following address no later than 24th February 2012

Phil Gawne MHK,

Minister of Environment, Food and Agriculture,

Thie Slieau Whallian,

Foxdale Road,

St John’s,

IM4 3AS

In case of query, please contact Ed Clague on 687344 or ed.clague@gov.im