The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) is working to improve how it tracks the provenance of food to ensure more local products are used across the Isle of Man.
Speaking at an Environment and Infrastructure Policy Review Committee hearing, Minister Clare Barber MHK revealed: “There’s been a lot of conversation around procuring from a local business but not procuring local product.”
She confirmed DEFA is collaborating with partners to strengthen verification systems, adding: “We’re keen to see a shift, but also acknowledging that we don’t want to put local businesses out of business.”
Food Security
Chief Officer Scott Gallacher emphasised the strategic importance, stating: “The food security plan is a really important foundation document in terms of the work we’re going ahead with.”
The plan includes initiatives like contract farming with schools to supply “locally produced food that’s ultra-process free.”
When Rob Mercer MLC asked about monitoring food insecurity, Mrs Barber acknowledged: “Some of this is very much the gaps in knowledge that we have identified.”
The department is now working with retailers and producers to gather better data on food access issues.
Worst Case Scenario
Preparations for supply disruptions are also being conducted by the department, with Mrs Barber explaining: “We’ve done work around rationing options and talked to producers who could increase quantities at short notice.”
This includes potential redirection of export-bound shellfish to local markets during crises.
The flour mill, abattoir and creamery remain key infrastructure priorities. Mr Gallacher confirmed: “These are fundamental to long-term sustainability… particularly from a food security perspective.”
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