Increasing fallen stock charges "beyond unreasonable" says MNFU

Government has described the move as an "appropriate measure"

Increasing the cost for collecting and disposing of fallen animals from the Island's farms is "beyond unreasonable", according to the union that represents them.

Earlier this month the Department of Infrastructure put the prices up, with one cost increasing by 185 percent.

In response, the Manx National Farmers Union told its members to withhold payments - describing the move as "catastrophic".

Sarah Comish is the general secretary and says their members will continue to do so for the foreseeable future:

In response, a spokesperson from the Isle of Man Government says: "The Animal Waste Processing Plant (AWPP) is integral to the Manx farming industry. It is has, however, produced an average annual net loss of just under £500,000 over the past five years.

"In common with Departments across the Isle of Man Government, the Department of Infrastructure, which runs the plant, has significant challenges in meeting this year’s budget.

"As prices for using the AWPP have not increased for some time, a rise is considered an appropriate measure.

"The Isle of Man Government recognises the proposed increases have caused concern, and is committed to continuing to engage with the Manx National Farmers’ Union to further consider these proposals and the impact they would have on the local agricultural industry."