Vol. 573 No. 4
142 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps he intends to take to support efforts to establish a network of local produce markets in view of their potential for rural development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24052/03]
I fully recognise the potential of farmers' markets for small food producers and rural communities in general. Bord Bia, under the aegis of our Department, has statutory responsibility for the marketing and promotion of Irish food. The board has identified the importance of routes to market for small food producers. It recently launched Pioneering Routes to Market, a web-based guide to serve as a one-stop-shop for local producers interested in setting up a farmers' market. Such local markets give producers an opportunity to sell directly to local consumers and to test-market varieties of product. Bord Bia's guide identifies the benefits of farmers' markets to producers, consumers and local economies, lists the location of markets and trading days, offers clear advice on what makes for a successful market and outlines the benefits and expansion opportunities in farmers' markets. Farmers' markets continue to grow in popularity and now operate under various arrangements in 22 locations throughout the country. Located in old market halls, hotels and racecourses, they offer a range of experiences for local people and visitors. I welcome this variety and the potential that they offer to a number of producers, taking account of the decoupling of premia payments from production in 2005.
