Criticism that Manx farmers are being left out of strategy talks

But DEFA Minister says there are 'regular conversations' happening

Government has been criticised for having ‘very little communication’ with the Manx farming community over food security.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture is in the process of developing a new agricultural strategy.

But there appears to be concern that the very people required to grow, make and produce, local foodstuffs don’t have a seat at the table.

Ayre and Michael MHK – and former president of the Manx National Farmers' Union – Tim Johnston claims there’s been a lack of communication with DEFA:

Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Clare Barber told Manx Radio she’s ‘sorry’ her political colleague feels that way:

Manx farmer Kirree Kermode says many within her community are concerned about not only what can be, and what needs to be, produced but how many people they need to produce it for:

Minister Barber has admitted that recruitment within the agricultural sector – along with many others on the Isle of Man – does continue to pose a challenge: