Farmers’ Markets are to be allowed to take place, despite the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) precautions. And Manx jam makers are being told 'keep on jamming'.

Meanwhile a working party is being set up inside the Tourism industry to make sure everyone knows what is going on.

Agriculture Minister Phil Gawne had described it as "extremely unfortunate" that the Farmers’ Market which was due to be held in the Villa Marina last Saturday had to be cancelled.

He says that the Department had very little information on the current outbreak of FMD in the United Kingdom and it was necessary to act quickly in order to prevent any potential problems for Isle of Man agriculture.

But he adds "provided farmers take the basic bio-security steps which my Department is advising I am happy for Manx farmers to continue to provide consumers with fresh, seasonal and tasty local produce.”

Advice received from the Animal Health Division is that, as long as there is no livestock present at the site of the proposed markets they may continue with the event.

Anyone concerned solely with the growing of vegetables, baking, or making jam for example, is asked to carry on!

Meanwhile the Tourism department has been providing the evidence that the Island remains open for visitors.

They say that whilst rural footpaths are currently closed, most of the Island’s glens and plantations remain open and there are a wide range of attractions for visitors to enjoy including the rail network, six cycle trails and Manx National Heritage attractions.

They also cite nine golf courses and the beaches.

The Department has already held discussions with representatives of the tourism industry to set up a joint working party "to ensure communication during this period is intensified and so that proper consultation can take place".