The Manx National Farmers Union (MNFU) has said it has no confidence in the board of Isle of Man Meats.
The meat plant has been plagued by issues that has affected supply and led to producers and retailers looking elsewhere for solutions.
In a stinging open letter, the MNFU said that the “consequences of the continued mismanagement of Isle of Man Meats Ltd can no longer be borne by the industry”.
It added: “The MNFU hold the Board of Isle of Man Meats Lid directly accountable for the disastrous impact this poor level of management is having on local producers.”
“The Manx National Farmers Union must declare no confidence in the Managing Director, Chairman and Board’s ability to manage this facility effectively for the island”
Unheard
The MNFU has said its members can no longer afford supply issues, cancellations and delays, saying that “Isle of Man Meats Ltd have ignored the opportunities for Manx meat, and significant quantities of product have been disposed with questionable excuses as to why”.
It said: “The ‘change programme’ implemented by the current Managing Director, following a period of imposed instability and chaos has not delivered. Rather it has had the opposite effect of causing further depredation of service and has highlighted the Boards ineptitude at managing the situation.
“Levels of communication are abysmal. Refusal to meet with the industry at an Island wide producer forum, called for last February, and lack of acknowledgement of the now dire situation is appalling. Confidence in the Plant’s ability to service the industry, the retailers and consumers has now hit rock bottom.”
With Regret From Union
Accusing the board of having a “total disregard” for producers and retailers and that the “once excellent reputation of Manx meat has all but been destroyed”.
The MNFU ends its letter saying: “We are now approaching a peak period for intake, and producers are facing a troubling time.
“It is therefore with regret, that the Manx National Farmers Union must declare no confidence in the Managing Director, Chairman and Board’s ability to manage this facility effectively for the island, and that immediate action must be implemented by the shareholders to repair the damage that has been imposed on the agricultural industry and the local food supply chain.”
Managing Director Rebecca Miah and Chairman Nigel Davis were appointed to the positions at Isle of Man Meats between May and July of last year.
Since the appointments Isle of Man Meats has faced numerous issues including multiple breakdowns, meat disposals, hundreds of animals being held in the lairage area, and suppliers being unable to obtain Manx produce.
John Taylerson and Colin Mitchell also hold Board Director roles at the Government owned meat plant.
Manx.News have contacted Isle of Man Meats and the Department for Environment, Food and Agriculture for comment.
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