Members of the agricultural community spent today creating the slogan 'Thanks for Choosing Manx' on a field at East Baldwin. The 30 foot high lettering is visible from the mountain road and thanks the public for buying local produce.

The Manx National Farmers’ Union came up with the idea as part of their joint initiative with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – the I Love Manx Campaign.

Union member and livestock farmer Graham Crowe said: “I was approached with an idea to use bales to spell out a message on a prominent field in the valley and I came up with the suggestion of using the paint that is used on sports pitches to set out logos. There's been a good deal of co-operation between all the different parties involved. DAFF field officers together with Union members have marked the field out – using a variety of intriguing methods. Manx NFU members, DAFF employees and members of the Young Farmers’ Federation have come together to work on a joint large-scale project. It's a way of thanking those people who, as purchasers of local produce, are a vital part of our industry.”

Also enjoying the day was Howard Quayle, President of the Manx NFU, who said;

“This is a fun way of getting people together to thank the Manx public for making the right choice when they shop and buying local home-produced food.”

The message reflects the current theme of the I Love Manx Campaign which will have a presence at both of the Island’s Agricultural Shows.