The Isle of Man is developing a quality reputation for its own
produce, particularly, cheeses, seafood, beers and ice creams.
Food production is carefully regulated and monitored by the
Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA).
DEFA encourage a responsible attitude to farming and
fisheries.
Farming
The total agricultural acreage (including rough grazings) is
around 113,000 acres or 80% of the land mass of the Island, with
agriculture basically a mixed farming industry.
The agricultural livestock population mainly comprises cattle,
sheep, pigs and poultry (eggs and broiler production). Traditional
mixed and small scale farming is still prevalent but in decline.
Instead, there are continuing trends towards specialist and larger
scale agricultural units.
The Manx climate favours grass production and so dairy farming
is the most important sector, followed by beef and sheep. Rough
grazings remain as natural or semi-natural grassland used for
extensively grazed flocks and herds.
A considerable range of combinable crops are possible in the more
suitable arable areas, but seasonal market demand still
necessitates the importation of some green vegetables and
salads.
The Island has an international reputation for its low animal
disease status, with no record of a major epidemic diseases having
occurred (which other countries accept as commonplace).
Cheese, together with beef and lamb, are the main agricultural
exports with about half of total production exported
- primarily to the UK. Other commodities exported include
livestock, cereals, seed potatoes, wool, horticultural produce and
flowers (especially roses).
Fishing
Scallops and the related but smaller queen scallops (queenies) are
economically the most important species and the mainstay of the
Manx fishing fleet. A significant quantity of locally caught
crab/lobster and scallops are also exported, mainly to European
destinations.
The Island is noted worldwide for the Manx kipper, produced from
the summer/autumn herring fishery. However the fishing grounds
around the Isle of Man also yield a variety of other species which
are valued by both commercial and leisure fisherman - notably
cod, sole, skate and plaice.
Conservation of stocks is a priority of the Department, and
over-fishing of some species has resulted in the introduction of
closed season restrictions, catch controls and minimum size
restrictions on scallops, herring and whitefish species.
Inland, the Department maintains a freshwater fish hatchery and
produces both brown and rainbow trout to stock the Island's rivers
and reservoirs. The future of the unique Manx Salmon strain is also
safeguarded, not only by collecting eggs from the spawning stock
and nurturing them prior to release, but by mounting patrols to
combat poaching.
Acknowledgements: DEFA, whereyoucan.im