Fruits of artisan food industry can be tasted at giant farmers’ market

AN outdoor farmers market will be recreated at Kildalton College, Co Kilkenny, so that visitors to Agriculture and Food 06 can see and taste the best of Irish artisan and speciality foods.

The major Teagasc national event, being held on June 21, offers indigenous food producers the chance to showcase their products.

Eddie O’Neill, technology transfer specialist at Teagasc Food Research Centre Moorepark, urged the public to come and sample a wide variety of artisan and speciality foods on the longest day of the year — in an outdoor farmers’ market set against the imposing back drop of Kildalton House.

“Speciality food producers contribute in excess of €500m to the Irish economy every year from a base of less than 300 companies.

“This compares to a base of over 2,000 speciality food and beverage companies in New Zealand, so the industry here is still in its infancy,” he said.

Mr O’Neill said farmers’ markets in Ireland are a relatively recent phenomenon and yet contribute over €10m to local economies.

The recent growth of these markets will be reflected in the diversity of products on show and for sale at Kildalton — from chocolate to cheese and preserves to pizzas.

“These reflect the growth in speciality niche products and also reflect our changing lifestyles and the agricultural environment,” he said.

Mr O’Neill said the growth of farmers’ markets have been a major boost for farmers, consumers and rural economies.

“For farmers, the markets provide a new source of revenue, new skills and they also fill the need for diversification. For the consumer, there is increased choice and a new shopping experience.

“For local economies there is increased employment and tourism and the production of local quality goods,” he said.