Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2004
37 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will compile an inventory of farmers markets around the country; and if he will co-operate with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in assisting with the establishment of further such markets to help farmers to diversify and remain viable. [14833/04]
View answer51 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans to promote farmers markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14731/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 51 together.
Bord Bia, a State agency within my remit, is active in promoting and encouraging this route to market as an outlet for small food producers. In 2002, Bord Bia was instrumental in promoting this concept when it staged Ireland's largest ever outdoor food market on the farmers market style for 110 small food producers at its International Food Symposium in Kinsale. Bord Bia's aim was to support small food producers and to lead the way in illustrating the practical implications of setting up and running a farmers market. Since then Bord Bia, in partnership with the OPW, has run a farmers market in Farmleigh for nine weeks over the September to December 2003 period, attracting more than 35,000 visitors who bought produce direct from stallholders. I understand that Bord Bia is planning a further Farmleigh market later this year and is in discussion with the OPW about appropriate expansion of farmers markets on OPW sites.
Bord Bia has a section on its website dedicated to farmers markets and this includes a list of the 39 markets in Ireland. Farmers markets have potential as a route to market for small food producers. There is further scope for growth for this sector and farmers markets together with other routes to market have a role to play in building Irish speciality-artisan food sales, which are currently estimated at €450 million.
While I do not have a direct role in establishing farmers markets, Bord Bia, as part of its statutory role in promoting the development of Ireland's food and drink industry, will continue to co-operate fully with other State and local agencies to champion the scope of this route to market for the overall benefit of our valuable indigenous food industry.
