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"Let's embarrass supermarkets into stocking local", says MNFU

The union has described the financial hit to the agricultural industry since Shoprite's closure

The Manx National Farmers Union believes consumers should 'embarrass supermarkets into stocking local produce'.

The union claims that the agricultural industry has seen a decline in trade since Tesco took over Shoprite, with one farmer experiencing a fifty percent drop in sales.

To highlight the 'lack of outlets' for farmers to sell their crops, free potatoes are being handed out to visitors at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show.

While the union acknowledges that Tesco does stock some local produce, it asserts that there's virtually 'zero' Manx produce in Co-op stores.

President of the MNFU, Ean Parsons spoke to Manx Radio's Andy Wint:

Responding to the claim, Co-op told Manx Radio it's 'committed' to supporting local farmers and food producers, and stocks a range of Manx products including meats, cheese, milk, flour, ice cream, honey and marmalade.

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