The future of the Isle of Man's dairy industry is hanging in the balance as the cost of production continues to spiral.

Agricultural officials say this is why an increase of four pence in the price of a pint of a milk is vital to try and give local farmers something resembling a decent return.

The seven per cent rise will come into effect on Saturday.

President of the Manx National Farmers Union Howard Quayle (pictured) says the number of dairy farmers on the Island is falling rapidly, and there is a real possibility the industry could be lost altogether.

He says while the latest increase will be of some help, it won't give farmers a lucrative living: