The prospect of one retailer almost fully dominating the food sector on the Island presents a significant risk to the survival of local food production.
That's according to the Manx National Farmers Union, which has released a statement following the announcement that all Shoprite stores are to be taken over by Tesco.
The group says the news was as much a shock to the agricultural and food production industry as it was to everyone else, and has caused 'considerable alarm.'
It adds that it's been disappointed by the comments from the Chief Minister, and the Minister for the Department of Enterprise, saying it's evident that they have not recognised the risks and vulnerabilities that producers and processors have.
As a result, the Manx NFU is calling upon the Chief Minister, Council of Ministers and Members of Tynwald to organise an emergency meeting with all producers and processors to discuss steps to protect existing local businesses.
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