A petition is to go before Tynwald demanding that all UK supermarkets operating on the island be required to procure, supply and promote Manx produce.
The petition, presented by John Wannenburgh is backed by a Manx National Farmers’ Union petition signed by 1,800 people.
It states that approximately 6% of food retailed on the Isle of Man is produced locally, a figure stated in Tynwald by the Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture and warns that this is “a huge food security risk”.
While Tesco is often cited, the supermarket giant has worked to increase its local offering since expanding on the island, while the Co-op and M&S provide comparatively fewer local options.
Priortise
The demands calls for change in the law so that “all UK supermarkets operating on the Isle of Man must procure, supply and promote Manx produce so that it is available on the shelves, including seasonally available produce”.
It further calls for Tynwald to “prioritise using locally produced food for all government operated services, including schools and hospitals”.
The government’s new school meals, the popularity of which are disputed, have seen a greater emphasis placed on local produce.
The named petitioners are Sarah Jane Comish, Ean Parsons and Murray Cringle.
It will go before Tynwald at the December sitting.