The Minister for the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) says that regulations surrounding the disposal of fallen stock is being reviewed.
The Minister told the House of Keys that a review had begun to ensure the island’s regulatory framework on fallen stock was “as resilient as possible”.
She said the department would also take into account “any other practices and regimes that might exist in other jurisdictions”.
Currently due to legislation that is set by DEFA, producers are not allowed to bury on farm and cannot dispose of fallen stock any other way than via the animal waste plant.
But as of July 1, the Department of Infrastructure’s (DoI) Animal Waste Plant increased the compulsory charges by nearly triple in some circumstances:
Chief Officer of DEFA, Scott Gallacher told Manx.News last week that the department is considering looking into changing the legislation of on farm burials.
Regulations Reviewed
The Manx National Farmers Union (MNFU) called upon farmers to withhold payments to the government following the “significant” increase in fallen stock and meat plant waste charges.
The MNFU says that in pursuing these charges, the DOI Minister and civil servants have demonstrated ”absolute contempt and disregard for the Manx agricultural industry”.
Ean Parsons, President of the MNFU, said the rises are ‘punishing’ for his members.
Speaking about the DoI’s charges, Ean said: “The final level that they’re talking at getting to are absolutely catastrophic.”
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