Nature

With two weekly farmers’ markets and one monthly event, the profile of organic food in the Isle of Man is on the increase but how well is the organic sector doing during this time of economic hardship?

In the UK since the financial shocks of 2008 and the subsequent belt-tightening, sales of organic food have slumped. According to research by IGD, an independent organisation representing grocery distributors, the proportion of UK shoppers who say they buy organic food in 2009 has dropped to 19 per cent from 24 per cent in 2008.

In the Isle of Man people are also feeling the pinch.  Organic farmer Dot Price sells produce at all the markets on the Island.  She said sales are down.

“When you are competing with big supermarkets that can sell stuff cheaper than we can grow it there are always going to be difficult times.  We work an organic farm.  Our seeds cost more and our farming methods are more labour intensive.  That makes a difference to our income.

“Over the past few months I have noticed a slump.  The credit crunch is hitting us, but then this time of year is always lean.  We are in between seasons; this is now our sowing time for the new season. 

“We haven’t had any financial assistance from the Government yet but apparently we may do in the future.  We have however had some really good advice.  The Department of Agriculture brought over an organic grower from England called Alan Schofield.  He visited us all two or three times, he held workshops and he’s at the end of the phone if we need advice.  It was the best thing the Government has ever done for us.”

The rate of Government support to organic farmers could be increased from £300 to £1000 for the first year of conversion and then from £200 to £900 in the second year and £600 to £100 in the third year. 

The Department of Agriculture believes key customers for organic products tend to be those who are better off and/or those who are firmly committed to the principles of organic production and who will cut other expenditure rather than change their food buying practices. 

And it seems the tide is changing.  Jenny Devereau from Staarvey Farm Herbs said, while she hasn’t noticed a slump in sales, she has noticed a difference in buying trends.

“More and more people on the Island seem to be setting up their own allotments.  I think most people now just want to know exactly what has gone into growing their vegetables. A lot of my customers now want to buy vegetable plants and herbs to help them get started. I think people are definitely growing more now than they have done in the past- maybe that’s how Islanders are addressing the economic downturn. 

“Apart from that people now like to know where their food has come from and that it’s safe and healthy. Despite the credit crunch there still seems to be a lot of local interest in the farmer’s markets on the Island.  I would say it’s a growing interest.”

But of course a farmer’s market is not just vegetables and fruit.  Many talented chefs are seeing a niche in the market for home baked produce. Hazel has been selling cakes, bread jams and chutneys at the Green Mann market for over a year.

“To be honest, since the recession started I haven’t noticed much difference at all in sales.  People come to this market for seasonal food so our sales depend largely on what’s available at any one time of the year, and of course how the weather is on market day.  If it rains people are less likely to come to the market.

“The weather seems to have more effect on sales than the recession.  Now and again I have noticed there is a lull in what people spend because during ploughing there may not be a huge variety of vegetables available.  If the farmers are busy ploughing they won’t have time to come down to the market. 

“The next busy time for the market will be in July when lots of vegetables will be available for customers to buy.  In July the produce is picked one day and sold the next.  That’s piece of mind.”

Pat bakes and sells gluten and wheat-free cakes and bread.  She says her sales have remained steady throughout the credit crunch.

“There are a lot of people out there with allergies and my stall caters for them.  It’s a very specific market so I haven’t experienced a slump in the market.  The most important thing for me on market day is the weather.  People don’t come if it rains but if it’s a nice day, we’ll be busy.  It’s as straight forward as that.

“My regulars come back time after time and I also have some people who buy my products even though they are not allergic. I can’t complain.”

With additional help, Isle of Man Government says local organic produce could increase its worth from £1.7m to £2.7m in the next five years bringing another £1 to the Island’s economy.

Isle of Man farmers’ Markets

Every Thursday: The Green Mann Market, in the grounds of Ballabrooie is open from 11am until 3pm.

Every Saturday: Ramsey Market, Albert Road School Playground.  10am until 1pm.

On the first Saturday of each month: Douglas Market, Villa Marina Colonnade.  10am until 2pm.