The Manx National Farmers Union (MNFU) is calling on farmers to withhold payments to the government following a “significant” increase in fallen stock and meat plant waste charges.
The MNFU says that in pursuing these charges, the Department of Infrastructure’s (DOI) Minister and civil servants have demonstrated ”absolute contempt and disregard for the Manx agricultural industry”.
The rates below are the first phase of price increases, with another two to follow:
Despite the MNFU and the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture’s (DEFA) efforts, the DOI increased the charges from July 1.
Taking a Stand
The MNFU says that the DOI have ignored the efforts from the agricultural industry and the impacts that the ‘unreasonable level of charging’ will have on Manx farming.
It says that the DOI have behaved with an ‘utter disregard for Manx Farmers’.
Ean Parsons, MNFU President had informed the DOI that it ‘cannot push this level of charging on the Agricultural Industry while they still hold the monopoly position on disposal of Animal By-Products through the 2008 Regulations’.
Farmers Refuse to Pay
Following the lack of movement from the DOI, the MNFU is taking a stand against the DOI and its ‘unfair and reasonable’ charges.
It is asking its members to refuse to pay any invoices for fallen stock until the DOI backs down on the charge increases and reduces them to increasing only by inflation.
The Union says that it will not tolerate the unreasonable behaviour of the Isle of Man Government.
Manx.News have requested an interview with the DOI Minister.
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