Clare Barber MHK told Tynwald DEFA made only minimal Budget requests, prioritising essential services and rural infrastructure.
The Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister said DEFA had deliberately limited its bids, reflecting the financial pressures facing government, and had even explored reducing or withdrawing some services where appropriate.
The additional funding secured, she said, focuses on “critical” areas including rural infrastructure, the sawmill and the public analyst laboratory.
Contingency Funding
She confirmed continued access to contingency funding to repair storm‑damaged glens and plantations, describing the work as vital to maintaining public access to green spaces.
The sawmill will receive investment in new equipment expected to pay for itself within just over five years, supporting local production and the wider economy.
Barber also highlighted ongoing capital investment in the island’s public analyst lab to maintain essential food and water testing capacity, keeping some testing on‑island where cost‑effective.
Agriculture
The agricultural sector will receive a £5 million fund transfer in 2026-27, including £1million for the agri‑environment scheme and up to £4million in potential support for the meat plant.
She stressed that while no one wants to spend £4 million annually on the facility, the funding demonstrates government’s commitment to maintaining on‑island processing, with any use of the fund requiring Treasury approval.
A modest uplift in DEFA’s revenue budget will also allow continued investment in seabed research, supporting marine conservation and the island’s growing sustainable fishing sector.
Barber said the Budget reflects “the diversity of the department and the exceptional work delivered day to day,” thanking staff and stakeholders who “come rain or shine, on land and at sea” to protect the island’s environment and food systems.
Minister Barber’s speech can be heard below:
