Local food and drink producers are offered the chance to showcase their produce at two of the Island’s main food and drink events.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture is inviting exhibitors to the Royal Manx Agricultural Show, being held on 7th and 8th August at Knockaloe, and the Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival at the Villa Marina Gardens, Douglas, on 19th and 20th September.
Producers should download application forms from www.gov.im/manxfood (show) and www.gov.im/food (festival), ring 685856 or email audrey.fowler@gov.im and reply by 30th April 2015.
Produce exhibited should be grown, reared, caught, brewed, pickled, baked or smoked in the Isle of Man or, where processed, contain produce from the Island.
The development of a distinctive and sustainable local food and drink sector is a key aim of Vision 2020, the Government’s strategy for economic success.
DEFA is delivering this via ‘Food Matters’ – its strategy to grow the value of the food and drink industry by £50 million over the next decade.
Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, 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 are also supporting our economy.
‘I hope producers will take advantage of these events to promote themselves to the many thousands of visitors who attend.’
