Policy
Secure Our Food, Energy and Freight
Strengthen local agriculture and fishing by restructuring subventions away from high administrative processing costs into direct working farm support (Source: DEFA Financial Statements / Tynwald Select Committee Report on the Meat Plant), extending growing seasons through modern facilities and techniques, launching a unified Manx Food Co. brand, and building a balanced, locally controlled energy mix to stabilise household bills.
Our heritage industries, farming and fishing sectors, are the backbone of our countryside
and coastal heritage, yet homegrown produce accounts for only around 6% of what we consume
on-island. Meanwhile, the current Isle of Man Meats operation at Tromode has seen government
subventions top £25.3 million since 2017, with annual DEFA support surging to £6 million in 2026
(Source: DEFA Financial Statements / Tynwald Select Committee Report on the Meat Plant).
Instead of absorbing multi-million pound annual operational subventions in outdated facilities, we
should look at a capital build for a modern, multi-use processing hub to include cereal processing
and fruit and veg processing and packaging (estimated at £12m–£16m benchmark build cost). Unifying distribution and marketing under a single Manx Food Co.
banner, following the successful model of the Isle of Man Creamery, will build brand recognition
and secure shelf space. Supporting local cereal processing, expanding growing techniques such as
polytunnels. Creating structured maritime deck-to-skipper apprenticeships, and advocating for a
subsidised freight framework on the Steam Packet (modelled on Scotland’s Road Equivalent Tariff)
will lower transit charges and protect local families.
On Energy.
Families and businesses across our island have felt the sharp end of rising energy costs, and
everyone has felt the pinch. Having closely followed the renewables debate for three years now,
projects like Cair Vie and Mooir Vannin highlight a persistent issue, a lack of clear communication
and public confidence from Government has plummeted, ultimately at a cost to us all.
I support utilising our natural resources to build a secure, balanced energy mix alongside our
fossil fuel infrastructure and energy from waste plant. Harnessing wind, solar, wave, and hydro
power can help shoulder our grid demand and reduce our reliance on expensive imported energy.
However, if elected, my priority will be finding solutions tailored to our island that protect our
natural assets. We need a balanced energy future that strengthens our security without compromising
the unique landscape and character that make the Isle of Man special.