Eamon Ryan
Question:195 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has plans to promote local food economies and farmers' markets; and if he has been co-operating with other Departments on this matter. [18863/03]
Written Answers. - Food Industry.
My Department actively supports the promotion of local food economies and farmers markets through a number of avenues. As part of its statutory remit for the promotion and market development of Irish food and drink, An Bord Bia is working with small food producers to develop this route to market. The scope for development of farmer markets has been identified in the speciality-artisan food sector, which currently has sales estimated at €450 million.
In 2002, An Bord Bia staged Ireland's largest ever outdoor food market based on the farmers market style at the International Food Symposium in Kinsale. More than 110 small food producers marketed and sold their produce to more than 200 national and international buyers and to the general public. An Bord Bia also provides general advice and information to people who have an active interest in setting up farmers markets in urban and rural areas.
The report of the organic development committee, which I established on foot of a recommendation of the agri-food 2010 committee, recognised the importance of farmer co-operatives and producer groups in developing the organic sector. The committee recommended the establishment of an organic market development group. My Department is participating in the work of this group, which is chaired by An Bord Bia and has overall responsibility for developing a national marketing strategy for organic food. I expect that the group will further explore the potential of farmers' markets as an outlet for organic produce.
Aid is also available to producer organisations meeting the conditions of Council Regulation 2200/96 in respect of operational programmes run by them. The aid is determined by the turnover of the group as a whole. There are currently 17 producer organisations in the fruit and vegetables sector receiving payments of approximately €3 million annually.
My Department also provides limited financial assistance to the Irish Countrywomen's Association for work performed by Country Markets Ltd., in developing co-operative markets for the sale of farm, garden and home produce in rural areas.