The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture’s (DEFA) plan for the year ahead, which sets out key actions to strengthen the Isle of Man’s food security, energy resilience and environmental protection, has been received by Tynwald.
The 2025/26 plan builds on major achievements over the past year, including the launch of the Agricultural Strategy and Food Security Plan, the delivery of new climate change legislation, and significant improvements to the planning system.
It sets out detailed departmental objectives across food and farming, environmental protection, climate change, forestry and planning, as well as a wide range of other responsibilities – from woodland management to the development plan for the Wildlife Park.
The focus areas are:
- Energy Security – further developing future energy generation, progressing offshore wind legislation, and launching a new home energy efficiency scheme
- UNESCO Biosphere – submitting the Island’s periodic review and developing a new 10-year strategy
- Strong Agriculture – delivering the Agricultural Strategy to strengthen and modernise the farming sector, and consulting on new legislation to prevent sheep worrying
- Food Security – ensuring reliable access to nutritious food through the Food Security Plan
- Environmental Protection – strengthening policies and legislation to safeguard the natural environment
Clare Barber MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said:
'I am proud to bring forward the Department plan, which we believe is deliverable in the last year of this administration. We are committed to delivering the best outcomes for our communities, environment and economy.
'This plan sets out how we will support energy security, food resilience and sustainable agriculture while protecting what is special about our Island. It also reflects the hard work of our teams and partners, who share a passion for ensuring the Isle of Man thrives as a UNESCO Biosphere and as a place where people and nature live in balance.'
