Minister seeks public views on local food

Building on the success of last year’s Local Food research, undertaken jointly by the Isle of Man Agricultural Marketing Society and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, further research is to be undertaken this summer on consumer opinions and buying choices.

The work will test consumer reactions to the local food label which the Department is aiming to develop in partnership with the local food producers and retailers.

DAFF Minister, Phil Gawne MHK said 'I believe it is important that we understand consumer’s views and listen carefully to what they have to say, so that working with the industry, we can develop an iconic local food label which reassures our customers they are buying top quality fresh local food.

'This will be accompanied by further work with local producers and retailers to explore their views on what is required from any local food label'.

Hedgerow management advice to be reviewed

DAFF has announced that it intends to review its Hedgerow Management Code, acknowledging the importance of these great features of the Manx countryside.

Minister Phil Gawne MHK said 'Hedges play a crucial role in the fabric of our countryside: they provide shelter and home for our plants and wildlife and provide an essential service in livestock management. These complimentary roles do need carefully balancing to ensure they function effectively, so the Department intends to look again at our existing hedge management code to see how we can ensure the right balance is maintained.'

'Our rolling countryside, connected by a latticework of hedges, is an iconic Island view. However, they are maintained by our local farmers and it is essential that we provide advice which takes account of the need to manage them within the farming calendar, whilst optimising their habitat and amenity value.'

Conservation specialists attend international Cayman conference

The Island was represented at the UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum Conference in the Cayman Islands in June. Liz Charter, Chief Wildlife and Conservation Officer and Fiona Gell, Marine Wildlife and Conservation Officer were both invited to give presentations.

The conference brings together representatives of all the UK Overseas Territories and UK Crown Dependencies. This year's discussion theme, 'Making the right connections', tackled issues such as climate change and invasive species.

Liz Charter said 'We are very grateful to the UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum for inviting us to participate in the conference and for funding our attendance. It is vital that we make connections with other small island jurisdictions to share experience of conservation and to exchange ideas for future collaboration. We can learn a lot from the innovative approaches that have been adopted in other small islands to conserve valuable plants, animals and places.'

The Manx contingent presented some great local conservation success stories, including the collaboration between Manx Basking Shark Watch and DAFF's Wildlife and Conservation Division, and the ongoing work of the Wildflowers of Mann project, a partnership between Manx Wildlife Trust and the Isle of Man Government.

They left the conference with a lot that the Isle of Man could aspire to – marine mapping of all coastal waters, networks of effective Marine Protecting Areas supporting ecotourism and sustainable fisheries and environmental awareness programmes involving whole island communities.

Work Continues on Eco-Friendly Headquarters

Work on DAFF's eco-friendly headquarters on Hope Road, St John’s continues with the recent installation of the glulaminated timber frame and wall panels. The next few weeks will see the installation of the windows and roof. Completion is expected in April 2010.

The building, which was designed by Ashley Pettit Architects and being constructed by Auldyn Construction Limited, will minimise the impact on the environment incorporating a number of sustainable techniques and technologies.

The new headquarters, to be named Thie Slieau Whallian, will enable the Department to centralise its six divisions which are currently based at various locations around the Island and improve the Department’s accessibility to the public.

The Department wishes to extend its thanks to its neighbours for their tolerance whilst this and the other construction works around the St John’s site take place.

Government Chief Veterinary Officer retires

Chief Veterinary Officer Eamon O'Donnell has announced his retirement.

Eamon was first appointed as a Veterinary Officer in November 1992, prior to which time he had been running his own veterinary practice in Anglesey.

Eamon succeeded Brian |Cope as Chief Veterinary Officer in June 1998 and worked closely with Chief Executives Tony Warren and latterly Colin Kniveton.

Eamon's largest challenge came during the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in the UK in 2001. He and his team in Animal Health Division were stretched to the limit and beyond in their efforts to ensure that the Isle of Man was protected from the deadly disease.

The lessons learnt in 2001 were put to good use in 2007, when a further outbreak of the disease emanated from a UK Government research centre in the south of England.

The prompt action of Eamon and his staff prevented the cancellation of many events in the latter half of the summer, although the Royal Agricultural Show was again a casualty due to the threat of the disease reaching the Island.

Eamon's experience and wise counsel will be greatly missed within DAFF and all the staff wish Linda and Eamon a long, happy and healthy retirement together.

Pictured: Representatives at the UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum Conference in Cayman.