The Manx NFU held its AGM on Monday, October 25 and voted Ean Parsons as its new president.

He takes over from Tim Johnston who has stepped down following his election to the House of Keys.

Mr Parsons, a beef and sheep farmer, was unanimously voted in with Murray Cringle from Arbory as vice-president.

Mr Parsons said: ’I am proud to be elected president of the Manx NFU, and grateful to Murray Cringle for standing as vice, along with the other members who have put themselves forward for committees.

’I feel we will be a strong team representing the industry on policy with both government and non-government organisations.

’The agricultural industry is facing an unprecedented rise in input costs with fertiliser, feed and fuel, along with changes to the existing support structure with the introduction of the new Agri-Environment Scheme.

’We need stability in the Government’s agricultural policy and access to the market returns that the quality products we produce deserve.

’Climate change is going to play a major part for the next administration of the Keys. As an industry we can be part of the solution, not the problem, whilst also providing food security for the Isle of Man.

’It is a beautiful island that we live in, and the farming community is looking after 88% of it.

’I would like to thank Tim Johnston, the outgoing president and wish him luck in his new role as a Member of the House of Keys.’

Mr Cringle said: ’It is a real privilege to serve the Manx NFU as an officeholder and I am delighted to be given the opportunity to take on the role of vice president.

’I am looking forward to working with Ean and the team on tackling all the challenges the industry is facing and informing the public on Manx agriculture. A profitable and sustainable farm sector can also benefit the environment.’

Former Chief Minister Howard Quayle CBE, kindly accepted the union members’ unanimous vote of patron of the union, in recognition of the immense amount of work he had done during his time as president of the MNFU, before taking on his political role.

Ex-president Ray Craine said that Mr Quayle’s contributions to the union had always been highly valued and it will be of great benefit to have his knowledge and experience supporting the agricultural sector over the coming years.

Both Mr Quayle and Mr Craine were awarded life memberships as recognition of their significant contribution to the work of the Manx National Farmers Union.