The Manx National Farmers’ Union (MNFU) has issued an open letter to declare its lack of confidence in the management of Isle of Man Meats.
The Manx National Farmers’ Union (MNFU) has issued an open letter to declare its lack of confidence in the management of Isle of Man Meats.
This follows reports of £40,000 worth of meat being disposed of at the end of July due to a freezer failure at the plant.
The letter, which was addressed to the chairman, managing director and board of Isle of Man Meats, said: “The MNFU hold the board of Isle of Man Meats Ltd directly accountable for the disastrous impact this poor level of management is having on local producers.
“Frequent cancellations and delays have continued to increase. Whether by accident or deisgn, reducing intake forces farms to eiter hold stock far longer than they can afford to, or export. This intensifies pressure on local trade, as confidence ebbs, and the knock-on effect is evident, negatively impacting other industries and organisations that provide services to the Plant and agricultural sector.”
The letter continued: “The stress on individual producers and businesses is already having an impact. The situation is rapidly declining and the ongoing repercussions of this will be felt for a long time.
“Levels of communication are abysmal. Refusal to meet with the industry at an Island wide producer forum, called for last February, and lack of acknowledgement of the now direct situation is appalling. Confidence in the Plant’s ability to service the industry, the retailers and consumers has now hit rock bottom.
“Immediate action must be implemented by the shareholders to repair the damage that has been imposed on the agricultural industry and the local food supply chain.”
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA), the majority shareholder of Isle of Man Meats, commented on the letter: “The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) can confirm receipt of the letter from the Manx National Farmers Union (MNFU).
“The department has had regular, open conversations with the MNFU and look forward to discussing the specific matters raised in the letter with them directly. DEFA is committed to working with the chair, board, producers, customers and all stakeholders to ensure we can see improvements at the abattoir.
“The department also notes the chair and board have sought to make improvements in the abattoir’s practices and processes, but the performance of the abattoir in recent times has been challenging. Like everyone else on the Island, we want to have an abattoir on this Island that is efficient, financially solvent, professional and ultimately delivers the sort of service that producers and customers expect and deserve.”
Isle of Man Meats has been contacted for comment.
