Government has no control over stocking local produce.

A spokesperson confirmed that selling locally-grown food in Isle of Man supermarkets remains outside the direct control of the government. The Manx National Farmers Union (MNFU) has launched a petition urging UK supermarket branches on the island to source, promote, and supply more local produce, and for government-run services to prioritize its use.

The petition has garnered 1,800 signatures and is scheduled for discussion at the December Tynwald session.

In a joint statement, the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (Defa) and the Department for Enterprise (DfE) acknowledged that, although the government does not directly control supermarket decisions, it maintains ongoing discussions with the islands main food retailers to increase the availability of local products. The departments share the unions goal of seeing more locally-produced food consumed on the island.

While regulation is challenging in an open market, the government has supported local businesses supplying supermarkets through an accredited process endorsed by Defa. The statement emphasized, Ultimately, decisions around supplying supermarkets rest with individual businesses, and while these choices are outside direct government control, we will continue to encourage collaboration that benefits local producers and consumers.

Food Security Concerns

Douglas North MHK John Wannenburgh, who will present the petition on behalf of the MNFU, has highlighted that food and energy security are the islands top priorities. The petition notes that only 6% of food sold locally is Manx-produced, leaving the island heavily dependent on imports.

The promotion of Manx-made food has been a longstanding topic on the island. Although postponed last year, the Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival is now set to return in September 2026, following positive feedback from local producers. Meanwhile, the first-ever Love Manx Festival in Ramsey celebrated local foods and crafts earlier this month.

Efforts to increase local produce extend to schools, where the Department of Education, Sport and Culture (Desc) revamped menus for the 2025-26 academic year to reduce processed foods and boost local offerings.

Supermarket chain Tesco has introduced a new line of products in partnership with Isle of Man Meats, including sausages, bacon, meatballs, and burgers made from Manx meat, although processing and packaging occur in the UK.

The story continues to evolve as the island focuses on enhancing food security and supporting local producers.

Analysis: The Challenge of Boosting Local Food Production on the Isle of Man

In light of the recent petition launched by the Manx National Farmers Union (MNFU), the issue of local food production on the Isle of Man remains a critical topic. The petition, aimed at urging UK supermarket branches to promote and supply more local produce, reflects growing concerns over the island's dependence on imported goods. Currently, only 6% of food sold locally is produced on the island, a statistic that highlights the vulnerability of the island's food security.

The Isle of Man government, through its departments, continues to support local businesses in accessing supermarkets via accredited processes. However, the reality is that decisions on what products are stocked in stores ultimately lie with the individual businesses. This dynamic reveals the limitations of government intervention in a market-driven economy. Although the government works to foster collaborations between producers and retailers, regulatory control over supermarket decisions remains outside its reach.

One of the key points highlighted by Douglas North MHK, John Wannenburgh, is the critical importance of food security for the island. As the petition underscores, the island's heavy reliance on imported food places it at risk in terms of both availability and price stability. The government's ongoing efforts, including collaborations with supermarkets like Tesco, are a step in the right direction, but they are far from solving the issue entirely.

The return of local food festivals and the inclusion of more locally-produced items in schools are positive developments, but these initiatives alone may not be enough to shift the island’s food supply structure. Ultimately, unless there is a substantial increase in the island’s agricultural capacity and a shift in consumer behavior towards supporting local producers, food security concerns will persist. The next steps will need to focus on long-term solutions, such as boosting domestic production and creating incentives for retailers to prioritize local products over imports.

Sources:

• Stocking local produce 'not in government control'