Ayre & Michael MHK and Chief Minister Alfred Cannan says the island must take “clear, strategic action” to protect its food supply.
Mr Cannan warns that local farmers are increasingly being priced out of supermarket supply chains.
Speaking following the Royal Manx Agricultural Show, which saw a strong turnout over the weekend, Mr Cannan praised organisers and highlighted the importance of the agricultural sector not only as food producers but as land managers and conservationists.
He also met with the MNFU, who again raised concerns about food security.
Reliance on Imports
Mr Cannan said the island’s reliance on imported food leaves local farming exposed, and reiterated a proposal he first put forward in 2024, a Food Security Act requiring supermarkets and food retailers to stock set percentages of Manx‑produced food.
The concept was shared with DEFA in 2024 and presented to the MNFU in 2025, but has yet to gain traction.
He now suggests a Food Security and Local Agriculture Bill could designate strategic food categories, set procurement requirements, and establish a food security fund to invest in technology and infrastructure to boost productivity.
He stressed that any legislation would need careful design to comply with competition law and avoid unintended price impacts, but argued that failing to act risks losing the island’s production base in times of crisis.
He pointed to pressures seen during COVID‑19, digital system failures, conflict in Europe and recent fuel supply concerns.
Mr Cannan says he is willing to share further details of how such legislation could be constructed with anyone interested.
