A NEW guide to locally produced food and drink and a car sticker highlighting the importance of buying local produce have been produced by I Love Manx.
The third edition of the Guide to Manx Produce will be a bigger publication with more information on what produce is available and where it can be bought from.
It is part of a continued campaign to raise awareness of the quality, freshness and great taste of local produce and will be distributed to all Island households.
The compilers of the guide are appealing to anyone who sells local food and drink or who uses local produce in their goods to come forward and be featured.
Sections within the guide include: honey, seafood, water and drinks, vegetables fruit and herbs, ice cream, chocolate fudge and other sweets, oil, eggs, cakes and breads, jams and preserves, poultry and game.
The guide will also carry information on retailers, supermarkets, farmers' markets and farm shops, processors, bakeries, butchers and eateries who have gained the Harvest Isle of Man accreditation. Cookery schools and hamper producers will also be included.
Anyone wishing to be included in the publication should contact Audrey Fowler at the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture by telephoning 01624 685856 or by e-mail at audrey.fowler@gov.im. Entries must be received by January 14.
A car sticker with the strapline “Think local, buy local" has also been produced.
Ray Craine, chairman of the Manx National Famers' Union, said: "I hope that people will display these car stickers and help spread the word that we produce food and drink to be proud of.
"The variety of locally produced food is growing thanks to the creative talents of producers so please support them by choosing to buy from them."
Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister John Shimmin MHK said: "I welcome the production of these colourful stickers and hope that they will encourage everyone to seek out local produce in 2011 and onwards.
"Please support your local food and drink industry - your year will get off to a tasty start and you'll be helping the local community."
The car stickers are available free of charge from the Manx National Farmers' Union, Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, Farmers' Markets and the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal.
