Róisín Shortall
Question:51 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action she is taking to encourage the promotion of locally grown food; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18867/06]
View answerThursday, 18 May 2006
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Written answers
The mission of my Department is to lead the sustainable development of a competitive, consumer focused agrifood sector and to contribute to a vibrant rural economy and society.
Agri-Vision 2015 is a comprehensive action plan for the future of the agrifood sector. Built on the three pillars of Competitiveness, Innovation and Consumer-Focus, the Plan sets out a new vision for the future of the sector in the light of new changes impacting on it such as the change to a decoupled payments regime, a more liberalised trade policy, changes in lifestyle, the clear emergence of technology and R&D as significant market drivers and major changes in the structures of farming and retailing. There are also many actions to be taken in the other areas such as small-scale enterprises, horticulture and the organic sector, forestry, renewable energy and rural development. The Plan contains 166 specific actions under a series of headings to be implemented in the near future with the objective of ensuring that the Irish agrifood sector compares to the best in the EU and in the world in terms of knowledge base, competitiveness, innovation and marketing.
As regards specific measures for the development of local and regional food economies, I initiated a series of regional food fora involving my Department, An Bord Bia and the other food development agencies. The first forum was held in Donegal in late 2005 on the theme "Market Focus for small food enterprises". Speakers shared experiences on regional food development with food enterprises from Counties Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim. State agencies and service providers were on hand to assist producers and food enterprises interested in growing their business and food products from the North West were showcased to highlight the importance of food to the Region's economy.
The next Food Forum will be held in the North-East on 12th June and this will offer small food entrepreneurs from counties Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Meath good opportunities to showcase products, build business linkages and obtain advice on what development agencies have to offer. By working closely with farmers, small food producers and local agencies we can successfully promote food enterprise and innovation to develop unique products reflecting the strengths of each region.
An Bord Bia which operates under the aegis of my Department recently hosted a very successful International Speciality Food Forum, at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin on the theme 'Regional and Local Foods — An Opportunity for Growth'. The objective of the event was to support and develop sales of Irish small business and speciality food companies on the core markets of Ireland and the UK. Up to 80 Irish speciality and premium food and drink producers showcased their products to some 150 trade buyers attending from Ireland and the UK. This represented the largest showcase of speciality Irish food and drink companies under one roof in 2006 and provided a valuable framework for networking with innovative regional and local companies.
An Bord Bia, works closely with other State and local agencies to exploit the growing opportunities for small food producers. In co-operation with Invest Northern Ireland, they have published a comprehensive information guide on the operation of farmers markets. Bord Bia has a dedicated person in the Small Business Department to assist producers and individuals, and performs a vital support function through the provision of advice and mentoring assistance. They have, in co-operation with Teagasc, undertaken research on the opportunities for Irish speciality and local foods in Great Britain, in particular the motives of speciality food consumers, to assist and orient small food companies interested in that market and have also undertaken research into the authentic ingredients which form part of Ireland's food tradition and which could raise awareness of local and regional foods and so assist producers with production diversification.
The output of the Irish artisan and speciality food sectors grew 10% in 2005 to reach €475m. This strong performance demonstrates the opportunities that exist for the right products.