It looks as if arrangements could be put in place to soften the blow of the ending of the red meat derogation.

In the House of Keys today (Tuesday), Agriculture Minister John Shimmin faced questions on the issue from East Douglas MHK Brenda Cannell.

She asked Mr Shimmin whether he would make a statement on the subject, after much discussion in farming circles about what it may mean to the Island's meat producers, and the abattoir.

Mr Shimmin said he had asked the EU for a phased end over three years to soften any impact, but was still awaiting a response (play audio file):

The derogation has protected local producers from cheaper foreign meat imports, but is about to come to an end.