UNITED KINGDOM.ISLE OF MAN BEEF IMPORTS DOWN.
Figures compiled by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry show that the consumption of imported beef as a percent of the total amount of beef eaten on the Island is the lowest for 10 years. Licensed beef importers have only used 55% of their quota and this is the lowest level for 7 years.
The amount of locally produced beef eaten on the Island has risen every year over the last five years and, over the same period, the amount of imported beef has fallen. Home produced beef now accounts for 89% of the beef consumed on the Island.
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister, Phil Gawne said: "I am delighted that Manx people are choosing to buy locally produced beef rather than imported beef. Recent research has shown that locally produced food is valued for its quality and freshness and our beef certainly lives up to this.
"The marketing activity carried out by the "I love Manx" campaign, Isle of Man Meats and others have clearly been successful in raising the profile of local meat and it is pleasing to note that retailers are ensuring that consumers can easily obtain it. This is good news for Manx beef farmers who do such a good job of providing a quality product.
"The Department is continuing to support a range of initiatives to promote Manx food both here and abroad and I hope to see continued growth in sales."