Report to 'protect' Isle of Man food industry

A report looking to "support and protect" the Isle of Man's food industry will be presented to the Manx parliament of Tynwald in June.

The Food Security Strategy is a blueprint aimed at supporting farmers and fishermen over the next 40 years.

The Manx fishing and farming industries support about 1,200 island jobs.

Environment minister Phil Gawne said it was essential that the Isle of Man developed a "thriving, innovative, competitive and resilient" food sector.

He added: "Living on an island presents additional challenges, both in delivering economies of scale in local production and ensuring reliable and affordable transport networks for the import and export of goods."

"These additional challenges" had to be factored in to food policy, added Mr Gawne.

The Food Security Strategy report will be debated in Tynwald starting on 17 June.