Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2004
17 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the initiatives he and his Department will take to support farmers or part-time farmers to engage in small-scale specialist, high quality food production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9166/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe national development plan includes a number of food related measures. While geared towards food companies of all sizes, many of the initiatives assist developing small and micro-sized companies. Significant funding is provided for Bord Bia's company marketing schemes to improve the marketing capabilities of micro, small and medium sized food enterprises. Recipients include small producers engaged in the production of farmhouse cheeses and speciality foods.
Recently, I launched an industry-led group to provide a national framework for the strategic development of the traditional, artisan, and speciality food sector called the TASTE council. The council will focus on issues such as: consumer education; market entry, innovation and market share; and distribution.
A useful tool for small producers interested in setting up a farmers' market is Bord Bia's web based guide, pioneering routes to market. The guide identifies the benefits of these markets to producers, consumers and local economies, lists their locations, training days offers clear advice on what makes successful markets and outlines the benefits and expansion opportunities, in farmer markets.
The report of the organic development committee, published by Department of Agriculture and Food in April 2002, estimated that a target of 3% of land area in organic farming by 2006 was feasible for Ireland. A number of recommendations of the report have been implemented including the establishment of a national steering group to act as a driving force for the development of the organic sector. Progress was also made in the setting up of a demonstration farms and work on the possible development of a national label for organic produce.
Financial support for the sector is provided through a supplementary measure in the rural environment protection scheme. This measure was reviewed as part of the recent evaluation of REPS and changes to enhance the measure were included in the recent submission on REPS to the European Commission. There is also a scheme of grant aid for the development of the organic sector. A European action plan for organic food and farming is expected to be published in the first half of 2004.
These developments together with the decoupling of direct payments from production in January 2005, which will provide a greater market orientation, should provide new opportunities for producers both large and small to develop specialised food enterprises.
