As the identity of food ingredients continues to make the headlines, there is even more value and interest than usual to knowing more about local Manx produce. As part of its work of promoting local Manx produce, the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture is again offering local food and drink producers the chance to showcase their produce at two of the Isle of Man’s key food and agriculture events: the Royal Manx Agricultural Show (August 9th and 10th) at Knockaloe and the Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival (September 21st and 22nd) at the Villa Marina Gardens, Douglas.
To secure a place in the Manx produce marquee at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show or at the Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival, producers can obtain application forms from DEFA by telephoning 685856 or email audrey.fowler@gov.im or download from http://www.gov.im/daff/food_and_farming/food.xml (shows) or http://www.gov.im/daff/food_festival/exhibitor_info.xml (Festival). The closing date for all applications is 10th May 2013.
Attendance figures at both the Royal Manx Agricultural Show and the Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival have risen in recent years so they provide an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of the variety and quality of local produce. To take part in the events, DEFA asks that all produce sold is grown, reared, caught, brewed, pickled, baked or smoked in the Isle of Man or, where processed, contains local produce. “Local” means produce from the Isle of Man.
DEFA Minister, Phil Gawne, MHK said: “we produce quality meat, eggs, dairy, flour, bread, vegetables, seafood and more and can be proud of the provenance, taste, safety and variety of our local Manx produce. By choosing Manx produce, we can enjoy great tasting food and drink as well as supporting our economy. I hope that producers will take full advantage of these opportunities to promote themselves to the many Manx people and visitors who attend these events”.
Researching your Manx family history can be a very interesting and rewarding hobby. Trace your roots in the Isle of Man with our helpful of guide.
