THE Manx Organic Network (MON) has appointed a Manx organic food coordinator to promote and facilitate the development of routes to market for locally produced organic products.

 
Roger Fargher has been recruited to complete a number of projects arising from the Isle of Man Organic Action Plan which was published in 2009.

In a recent survey of the local food market 23 percent of respondents said they felt it was important that their food was organic.

Currently much of the organic produce is imported into the Island and the demand for local organic produce far exceeds supply.

Roger will work with producers, retailers, and wholesalers to find better ways of meeting this demand with the intention of replacing imports with local produce.

The value of organic food, including milk, purchased in the Island in 2007 was estimated at £1.7million. Roger will be responsible for growing this figure and ensuring that the growth relates to locally produced organic products rather than imported ones.

His initial priorities will be increasing sales of available Manx organic beef, lamb, and Loagthan and increasing the production and variety of horticultural products especially vegetables, salads, and herbs. 

Janet Bridle MON Chairman said: "Organic farm production has had its roots on the Island since the 1990's and we now have more organic producers than at any other time. The organic sector is weathering the economic downturn and interest is growing again in this market.

"The appointment of Roger, with his sales and retail background, will enable us to bring more organic produce to market and raise awareness of this intrinsically Manx quality product. This is a new and progressive phase for our Manx organic producers and we are looking forward it."

Roger Fargher said: "This is an exciting opportunity for myself and MON as the desire from the public for organic produce continues to grow. The Isle of Man has a group of committed and professional organic farmers and growers who wish to deliver on this opportunity and I look forward to helping the Manx organic producers to achieve this goal both here in the Isle of Man and further afield."

The position has been funded by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

Also see: More consumers buying local produce than in 2008