Artisan food ‘has vital role in rural economies’

ARTISAN food has a role to play in maintaining and building vibrant rural economies, Food Minister Noel Treacy declared when he launched the Taste Council’s strategic plan for the speciality food industry.

Continuous investment in research and policy, a fostering of an entrepreneurial culture, the active encouragement of improved marketing and distribution, an investment in education and a broader understanding of and value for Irish artisan food among the general public are the four strategic areas outlined in the plan.

TASTE, co-ordinated by Bord Bia, is an industry group of practitioners from the traditional, artisan and speciality food sector. It is working to enhance the development and growth of the sector and its national contribution. Members worked through a sub-committee structure to develop the plan.