MNFU fires broadside at DEFA

Union criticises new industry grant scheme

The Manx National Farmers' Union has fired a broadside at the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

The Union calls DEFA's latest consultation on proposals for an integrated Agriculture and Fisheries Grant Scheme, "inward-looking, navel-gazing and deckchair-moving"

The statement suggests the proposals move the targeted schemes approved by Tynwald to a broad, less accountable, subjective scheme which is distributed on the whim of a civil servant.

And minister Richard Ronan is criticised for lacking "knowledge, understanding, commitment and direction"

Speaking on last night's "Countryside" programme, MNFU President Brian Brumby said there was a disconnect between the department and Manx farmers - who hadn't been made aware of any problems with the current grant schemes.