THE Department of Environment Food and Agriculture (DEFA) will have a major presence at both of the agricultural shows, beginning this weekend with the Southern Show at Great Meadow on Saturday and Sunday.

This year DEFA will focus on two key areas:

•  Explaining the work of the new Department and, in particular, the contribution it makes to sustainable living.

•  Supporting local Manx food and drink producers through sponsorship of the Manx Food Court at the Shows and the Manx Food Theatre at the Royal.

Minister, John Shimmin MHK, said, “The shows are an opportunity for the public to understand more about Manx farming and the contribution that it makes to the local economy, the environment and our enjoyment of food.”

In the DEFA marquee, show visitors will be able to find out more about the new department and who to contact. There will be an area of family activities including “a feely box” full of agricultural surprises, the chance to see live freshwater animals, and lots of other fun activities.

Visitors will be able to experience a simulated mountain bike ride in one of the glens managed by the Department, and purchase a selection of goods made timber grown in the Island’s forestry plantations.

The department is also stepping up its work on marketing local food and will be sponsoring activities designed to raise awareness of the quality and diversity of the food and drink produced.

Visitors to the shows will be able to meet the producers and sample local products in the Manx Royal, enjoy cookery demonstrations and watch the heats of the “I Love Manx” Amateur Cook in the Manx Food Theatre.

The Department will host an evening for invited producers and retailers in the theatre when the winners of the second “Tomorrow’s Farmer” Award will be announced.

A spokesman said, “All that remains is to hope for last year’s good weather and a large and appreciative audience to celebrate all that is good about Manx agriculture.”