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 8th and 9th) at Knockaloe and the Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival (September 20th and 21st) 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 www.gov.im/manxfood (shows) or www.gov.im/food (Festival). The closing date for all applications is 30th May 2014.

With high attendance figures at both the Royal Manx Agricultural Show and the Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival, these events 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 much more and can be proud of the provenance, traceability, 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”.