Heritage sites team up with markets
Food Minister Brendan Smith suggested last year that Bord Bia and the Office of Public Works (OPW) should examine the feasibility of using selected national heritage sites as possible future venues for farmers’ markets.
Mr Smith and Minister of State Tom Parlon, who has responsibility for the OPW, recently launched the Bord Bia-OPW farmers’ markets programme for 2006, which will be held in association with the Department of Agriculture and Food.
The programme begins next Sunday (11am-4pm) in Fota House and Gardens in East Cork. Products will include farmhouse cheese, traditional breads, smoked fish, luxury confectionery and seasonal produce.
Other sites which will host seasonal one-day food market events during the year are the JFK Arboretum, Wexford (May), Castletown House, Kildare (July), Newmills, Letterkenny, Donegal (September) and Emo Court, Laois (December).
Mr Smith said he was very impressed by the success of the farmers’ market at Farmleigh in creating a new specialty food experience and considered that there was potential for similar regional events.
He urged the local communities, county councils and chambers of commerce, together with local food producers, to support the promotion.
“This opportunity for promoting regional foods in heritage surroundings will, I hope, stimulate benefits for tourism and the local food economy,” he said.
Mr Smith said there are more than 100 farmers’ markets in operation in Ireland, reflecting increased demand for fresh locally produced foods. Consumers can enjoy and participate in the development of local and regional speciality foods.
Bord Bia chief executive Aidan Cotter said the farmers markets provide the perfect opportunity to sample the true flavours of Irish artisan products.
The speciality sector is valued at €475m representing a 10% growth year on year.
He said Bord Bia recognises the importance of this growing sector and has developed a number of marketing programmes and events to expand and develop Irish local and regional foods.
