Grouping local food producers could ‘boost’ job creation

CLUSTERING of local food producers and a greater emphasis on regional branding could significantly boost agri-food sector job creation, according to a new report.

Louth-based Sinn Féin TD Arthur Morgan believes farmers throughout the island could learn from the success of Fuchsia, the brand developed by West Cork Leader group to promote the region’s produce. His report was unveiled yesterday by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Innovation.

Mr Morgan said: “I was looking at the Fuchsia brand, which has been a very successful enterprise. We need more regional brands like that, and then have them all feed into Brand Ireland, which would have a huge capacity to be marketed internationally.