Should derogation issues have been addressed sooner?

Farmers are waiting to find out what the loss of the red meat derogation at the end of the year will mean for agriculture in the Isle of Man.

The Department of the Environment, Food and Agriculture says radical changes will be needed at the Island's meat plant when the changes come into effect.

On Manx Radio’s Countryside programme, experienced farmer John Kennaugh said he and his colleagues were anxiously waiting to find out what the changes would mean.

He also said many felt the issue should have been tackled earlier (play audio file): 

The red meat derogation protects producers on the Island from cheaper foreign imports.