MNFU hopeful cull charges will fall at meat plant

Wed, 20 Jul 2011

A farmer involved in proposals to build a private animal processing plant says they want to offer an alternative to local farmers.

The Christian family who farm at Ellerslie in Marown are asking for planning permission for a new facility on their land.

At the moment animals are sold to the meat plant in Tromode or, in the case of lamb, some animals are exported to the UK, where they can fecth up to 40% more money.

Meanwhile, The Manx National Farmer's Union say it's happy as long as there is one plant on the island that is able to handle pork, lamb and beef.

President of the MNFU Raymond Craine says there's been a problem with cull charges at the plant in Tromode but he is hopeful this will can be resolved. [Play audio file below]