Stocking local produce 'not in government control'

A petition by the Manx National Farmers' Union has called for more local products on supermarket shelves

Ensuring the sale of local produce in supermarkets on the Isle of Man is "outside direct government control", the department with responsibility for promoting it has said.

A petition by farmers called for island-based UK supermarkets to "procure, supply and promote" local produce and ensure government-operated services "prioritise" using it.

The petition, which has 1,800 signatures, will be discussed at the December Tynwald sitting.

In a joint statement with the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (Defa), the Department for Enterprise (DfE) said while out of "direct" control, it maintained "regular dialogue with the island's major food retailers" to enable more availability.

Previously within the remit of the Defa, the promotion of the food and drink industry was transferred to the DfE in April.

In their statement, the departments said they shared the union's "ambition to see more of the food consumed on the island produced here".

Although regulation was "difficult in an open market", the government had supported a range of local businesses to supply supermarkets through a recognised accreditation process, backed by Defa, the statement said.

"Ultimately, decisions around supplying supermarkets rest with individual businesses, and while these choices are outside direct government control, we will continue to encourage collaboration that benefits local producers and consumers", it added.

Food security

Douglas North MHK John Wannenburgh, who will present the motion on behalf of the Manx National Farmers Union, previously said food and energy security were "the two most important issues" facing the island.

The petition highlighted that Manx produce made up only 6% of the food sold on the island, meaning the island was heavily reliant on imported products.

The issue of food security and promoting Manx-made produce has been a prevalent one on the island.

Despite being shelved last year, The Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival will also return in September 2026 after feedback from producers.

In the meantime, the inaugural Love Manx Festival in Ramsey held its first showing earlier this month and offered a chance to "shout about" local produce and crafts.

The Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival is set to return in 2026

In September, the Department of Education, Sport and Culture (Desc) overhauled school menus for the 2025-26 academic year - in efforts to reduce processed foods and increase local produce on children's plates.

Supermarket retailer Tesco has also announced a new range of products in conjunction with Isle of Man Meats.

Sausages, bacon, meatballs and burgers made from Manx meat but processed and packed in the UK have gone on sale in stores this week.