Farmers’ union says fees for slaughtered animals are ‘unfair and unrealistic’

Isle of Man farmers should not be “penalised for the misfortune of losing livestock”, a union representing the industry has said.

The Department for Infrastructure has increased the cost of disposing of dead animals from July, with the price of collecting a bull soaring by 185% to £152.70.

In a statement, the government said prices at animal waste treatment plants had not increased “for some time” and that the increase was “considered an appropriate measure”.

But Isle of Man National Farmers’ Union secretary Sarah Comish said it was “unfair and unrealistic” to ask farmers to cover the costs of running the plant.

The plant was “essential” to the industry but had generated an “average annual net loss of just under £500,000 over the last five years”.

However, the statement said it was acknowledged that the proposed increases had “raised concerns” and the government was “committed to continuing to engage” with unions on the issue, it said.

The Department of Infrastructure’s Animal Waste Section holds an exclusive contract for the collection and disposal of dead animals from Manx farms.

Under the revised fee structure, the price for collecting a bull has increased by £99.15, while collecting a cow has increased by £60.13.

Ms Comish said the increases would be “catastrophic” for farmers, who are now withholding payments in protest.

The additional costs would put “enormous pressure” on the sector and could cause people to choose to leave it.

She said the union had presented alternatives of inflationary increases or changing regulations to allow farmers to bury carcasses on their farms.

The union hopes that further discussions, supported by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, can now take place to find a solution with the Department of Infrastructure, she added.