Mill Has a Future, but Where?

While milling has a future on the island, there is no guarantee that operations will continue in Laxey.

DEFA Minister Clare Barber was quizzed on the the future of the mill and her department’s food strategy by Daphne Caine (Garff).

The future of the milling operations on the island has been in doubt ever since Ramsey Bakery shut its doors last year.

Mrs Barber had been due to bring forward a food security plan by April this year, but said that given the importance of getting it right, she decided to push this back to the autumn.

In Tynwald Mrs Barber said: ‘Within the development so far, it is clear that an increase in Manx food production, with a focus on import substation will be a aim within the plan and actions to achieve this are being identified for inclusion.

‘Whilst the aims and actions are still in development and have not been finalised and agreed, it is my expectation that on-island flour milling will feature in the plan. As part of the ongoing stakeholder engagement, my department will be inviting Tynwald members to a workshop and I look forward to be able to discuss this with members in detail at that also.’

Mrs Caine asked if Mrs Barber could give ‘any assurance that the flour mill remain in Laxey?’

Mrs Barber replied: ‘In terms of the location for a future mill, there are, as you would expect, a number of options that have been considered both around redeveloping the Laxey Mill, absolutely rightly the option of closure has been explored, but also a new mill on a new site.

‘No final decision has been made on that, but I can assure you that the input from stakeholders at a recent workshop was invaluable.’

Stocks

Jason Moorhouse asked the Minister about the issue of stocks already held by the mill which has seen a drop in production on the island this year and whether we can expect to see production begin on island in the future.

Mrs Barber said that following discussions with bakers, wheat growers and millers, she said some farmers have been able to find an alternative market.

She said that there are about 900 tonnes of wheat available to the mill at present and it is up to the board how to continue its operations.