DEFA Minister 'shocked' by farming outburst

Fri, 15 Apr 2016

Richard Ronan MHK

The Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister has hit back at claims he's "destroying" Manx agriculture.

Richard Ronan says he's worked "long and hard" to safeguard monetary support for farmers and has "fought vigorously" for them.

It follows a blistering attack from the Manx National Farmers Union which claims the department isn't listening to those trying to survive in the industry.

It says it's ignored consultation feedback, avoided meetings and failed to facilitate requests to open income streams to farms - however Mr Ronan disputes this is the case: