Changes to Meat Plant Board announced

Substantial reforms to the Board of the Isle of Man's only abattoir have been announced today by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA).

The initiative, which follows months of thorough review and consideration, will see the appointment of five new directors to the Meat Plant's Board, including a new Chair.

The primary objective of the restructured Board will be to stabilise operations and provide enhanced certainty for farmers regarding production levels. This approach aims to build on the foundations put in place by the current Board and management team, improve product supply for consumers and ultimately strengthen the food security and agricultural vitality of the Isle of Man. The newly appointed directors are:

• Damien Corcoran (Chair): A food retail leader with international retail experience and a background in strategic and organisational change
• Rob Teare: A leading Manx butcher with substantial red meat experience
• Dr Jonathan Birnie: An agricultural economist and the principal author of a comprehensive report on the abattoir
• Philip Birnie: An experienced red meat businessman with expertise in abattoir and meat processing operations
• Andrew McKeown: A Manx farmer and haulier who has industry experience in the abattoir sector, particularly procurement

Successive administrations have attempted to address longstanding issues associated with the plant, which range from financial stability and Government subvention levels to operational concerns, such as, maintenance, asset management, and animal welfare.

Over the past year, the Board has been focussed on the governance of the company ensuring robust technical, maintenance and operational policies and procedures are in place and adhered to. The reformed Board now needs to pivot into a production and sales focus while ensuring a robust approach to financial governance.

Clare Barber MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said:

'We've invested significant time and effort into understanding the challenges and made good progress in clarifying financial management, asset management and control, as well as resolving a number of HR and compliance issues at the abattoir itself, but there is plenty still to be done.

'I want to thank those who have served on the Board to date, and am confident that the foundations they have laid will allow the refreshed Board to bring the focus and energy required to build on the progress made to date, and bring much needed confidence as we look to give farmers, butchers and the Isle of Man public the meat plant they deserve.'

Minister Barber added:

'This Government is committed to maintaining a strong and vibrant agricultural sector on the Isle of Man, and today's changes mark an important step in the ongoing work towards securing the long-term future of the abattoir.'

The changes will take place with immediate effect.

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