Isle of Man food and drink will be showcased at the summer’s two major agricultural shows.
The Isle of Man Creamery and local food and drink businesses will be present in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food’s marquee at the Southern Agricultural Show (29th/30th July) and the Royal Manx Agricultural Show (11th/12th August).
Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: ‘We continue to grow the value of Manx food and drink to our economy and help producers to reach new audiences.
‘The shows attract thousands of visitors, keen to support Manx farming, and they are an excellent opportunity for us to show off the increasingly diverse range of Manx produce that’s available.
‘Having so many producers together in our marquee will further boost the profile of local produce, which is much in demand among consumers.
‘We will also talk to people about the Manx food provenance label, launched in May by the Chief Minister, which producers are enthusiastically adopting for use on their packaging.’
Staff from DEFA will also be on hand to talk about the support offered to the agriculture and fisheries industries via the Department’s grants scheme.
DEFA will also display to show-goers the benefits of the Island’s UNESCO Biosphere status in promoting the Isle of Man as a special place to live, work and visit and there will be the opportunity to discuss with officers how you can get involved.
There will also be information and displays to help people understand just how much there is to do on the DEFA estate and how they can responsibly enjoy our landscape and see the many rare and special features it offers.
The Curraghs Wildlife Park will be at the show with animals and creepy crawlies that can be handled. It will advertise its events, attractions and range of memberships.
The marquee will also enable other areas of Government to improve public knowledge about their services.
The Department of Economic Development will Grants and Assistance team will be on hand to discuss financial assistance and support available for businesses.
Government Catering Services will demonstrate the quality of meals served to patients at Noble’s Hospital and how meals on wheels are produced.
The hospital’s dietetic team will raise awareness of the importance of fibre in a healthy diet and give practical suggestions for how adults and children can consume the recommended amount of fibre each day.
The Department of Economic Development’s Energy team will be on hand to discuss energy efficient solutions and support available for businesses.
Customs and Excise will be available to discuss its involvement in protecting fauna and flora through CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), along with the other wide range of work it undertakes.
University College Isle of Man’s Construction department will promote City and Guilds qualifications it offers in trades such as horticulture, joinery, painting and decorating, brickworks plumbing and electrical.
Isle of Man Post Office will showcase the fantastic range of services available to the Manx community and will have some great games and giveaways.
