Call for funding for farmers’ markets

DIRECT financial support for the growing number of farmers’ markets so that they can promote their activities through marketing and advertising is being sought.

Labour Party spokesperson on agriculture Sean Sherlock, who made the call on junior minister Trevor Sargent, said there are huge benefits to be gained in having a vibrant farmers’ market sector.

“Producers gain because they can sell their products without the middle men that would otherwise be looking for their cut. Consumers benefit because they know that they are getting quality produce at a good price.

“Local economies benefit because money generated locally remains in the locality, rather than being hived off to make a contribution to the profits of some multi-national chain of supermarkets,” he said.

Mr Sherlock said some work is being done by bodies such as Bord Bia, the Leader programme and various government departments to encourage the development of farmers’ markets.

However, most of the work done in the area of promotion relies almost entirely on voluntary effort at a local level.

“I believe that some sort of direct support should be made available to people organising these markets for advertising,” he said.

Mr Sherlock said Bord Bia has schemes in place such as Féile Bia and Food Island, that promote various aspects of the food industry.

“Perhaps a similar template could be applied to the promotion of the farmers’ markets,” he said.