Local food and drink producers are invited to showcase their produce at three major events.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture is calling on exhibitors to apply for stands at the Southern Agricultural Show, being held on the 30 and 31 July at Great Meadow, Castletown, the Royal Manx Agricultural Show, being held on 12 and 13 August at Knockaloe, and the Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival, taking place at the Villa Marina Gardens, Douglas, on 17 and 18 September.
Producers can download application forms from www.gov.im/manxfood (shows) and www.gov.im/food (festival), ring 685856 or email audrey.fowler@gov.im
The deadline for applications is 29th April 2016.
Food and drink exhibited should be grown, reared, caught, brewed, pickled, baked or smoked in the Isle of Man or, where processed, contain ingredients from the Island.
The development of a distinctive and sustainable local food and drink sector is a key aim of Vision 2020, the Government’s strategy for economic success.
DEFA is delivering this via ‘Food Matters’ – its strategy to grow the value of the food and drink industry by £50 million over the next decade.
Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said:
‘We produce quality meat, eggs, dairy, flour, bread, vegetables, seafood and much more and can be proud of the provenance, traceability, taste and variety of Manx produce.
‘These vibrant events attract thousands of visitors and I’d encourage producers to attend and promote Manx food and drink to an even wider audience.’
