The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) says its committed to working with Isle of Man Meats to ensure improvements are seen at the abattoir.
DEFA gave a statement to Manx.News following the Manx National Farmers Union declaring no confidence in the meat plant.
A spokesperson from DEFA said: “The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) can confirm receipt of the letter from the Manx National Farmers Union (MNFU).
“The department has had regular, open conversations with the MNFU and look forward to discussing the specific matters raised in the letter with them directly. DEFA is committed to working with the Chair, Board, producers, customers and all stakeholders to ensure we can see improvements at the abattoir.”
The department says it “notes the Chair and Board have sought to make improvements in the abattoir’s practices and processes, but the performance of the abattoir in recent times has been challenging“.
Adding: “Like everyone else on the Island, we want to have an abattoir on this Island that is efficient, financially solvent, professional and ultimately delivers the sort of service that producers and customers expect and deserve.”
Letting Producers Down
The meat plant has been plagued by issues that has affected supply and led to producers and retailers looking elsewhere for solutions.
In a stinging open letter, the MNFU said that the “consequences of the continued mismanagement of Isle of Man Meats Ltd can no longer be borne by the industry”.
It added: “The MNFU hold the Board of Isle of Man Meats Lid directly accountable for the disastrous impact this poor level of management is having on local producers.”
Supply Issues at Abattoir
Earlier today (August 21), Andreas Meats announced that it has been left with no option other than to import British meat after being unable to obtain Manx meat.
Andreas Meat Company says due to matters out of its control, it won’t “be able to provide any customers with Manx mince for this week and next week”.
The company normally sources its Manx produce from the Government owned Isle of Man Meats, however it is now having to look into importing British beef as a “temporary alternative”.
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