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Public consultation launched on new Agricultural Strategy

Wednesday, 27 February 2019

The Isle of Man Government is seeking views from members of the public on a new strategy for the Agriculture sector. 

The proposed strategy’s overarching aim is to deliver a sustainable and profitable agricultural industry through increasing investment to active farmers who will be provided with additional support to maintain and enhance the Island’s rural environment. 

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA), said: 

‘Feedback from the industry has highlighted a need to bring back some certainty to the agricultural sector. Views from the public on the consultation are essential at this point to ensure that the way in which agricultural support is delivered by the Government to this sector is effective and delivers for the environment. 

‘Through the strategy we’ve aimed to propose ways to effectively support active farmers and production, to ensure that economic activity is maximised and that the processors, particularly the Meat Plant, are viable. The strategy also takes into consideration a number of Programme for Government actions and takes a lead in delivering multiple environmental and economic Government strategies.’ 

Feedback is being sought from the industry and public on the benefits to the industry and wider environment on a range of areas including realignment of current agricultural funding to better target on-farm investment in modern and efficient technology and agri-environment measures to enhance biodiversity, water quality and the environment. 

The proposed strategy will run from 2019-2029, subject to Tynwald approval, and is intended to build on current policy and provide a relevant and timely solution for the industry and Isle of Man public, ultimately replacing the previous strategy introduced in 2008. 

To read more, or to complete the consultation visit the Agricultural Strategy Consultation.

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