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Farmer wants to build private meat processing plant

Mon, 18 Jul 2011

Planning permission is being sought to build a private animal processing plant at a farm in Marown.

Approval in principal is being sought by Ellerslie Farm.

It would give farmers an alternative to the Island’s meat plant.

Last year it was revealed the multi-million pound facility in Tromode was in financial trouble.

One farm worker has told Energy FM news that local producers are receiving higher prices by exporting live animals to a plant in Preston.

They believe a private facility would enable farmers to produce meat for the local and export markets, without the need for the taxpayer’s subsidy that the current plant requires.

It's claimed the high price of Manx meat is due to the costs associated with operating the meat plant and that a smaller facility would give a better price to farmers and to the consumer.

The Island has recently lost its red meat derogation which means that imports of meat can be freely made.

The worker says it is even more important now that local producers can offer their product at a competitive price.

 

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