Sargent stresses role of domestic food market in sustaining jobs

THE role of the domestic food market in the present economic environment was stressed by Minister of State Trevor Sargent when he launched the programme for the Waterford Festival of Food in Ring yesterday.

The festival (April 17-19), which will be centred in Dungarvan and include events in Lismore and throughout west Waterford, will showcase local produce, confectionery and culinary skills.

A Waterford County Council initiative, it will also feature tasting trails, cake decorating workshops and a community picnic.

A celebration of farmers’ and country markets, talks, cookery demonstrations, food-focused art exhibitions and other events will be also on the programme.

Mr Sargent said with the huge economic challenges facing people this year and next, the home market will be particularly important in sustaining employment in the food sector.

It will also be important in seizing every opportunity to create long-term sustainability in producing a range of foods and organic foods drawing on the strengths of each local community.

The Festival of Waterford Food is a means of “showcasing” the quality and diversity of our agri-food and making the link between our foods and the unique landscape and skills in which they originate, he said.

Mr Sargent said the festival will provide the kind of promotion the south-east really deserves.

The great success last autumn of Terra Madre, an international food event, which attracted thousands to Waterford, showed that this part of Ireland is establishing a reputation as a “food mecca.”

“Co Waterford established a solid reputation for the production of quality beef, lamb, dairy products and seafood,” he said.

“The growth of artisan food and organic producers has led to an increasing number of establishments promoting an Irish food experience.

Festival co-ordinator Therese McDermott said a “Home Grown” workshop should be very popular with people getting back to basics and growing their own vegetables and herbs.

She said the support of main sponsor Flahavans, and the contributions from Dawn Meats and Glanbia, had allowed the festival committee to put together a very ambitious programme of events.