Minister lauds farmers’ markets

FARMERS’ markets are demonstrating the potential for developing strong local food economies, said Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan at a Food Fair in Sligo yesterday.

She announced that a regional food forum on market focus for small food enterprises, to be held in Killybegs, Co Donegal on November 4, is intended to provide the model for similar events in other areas.

Meanwhile, Minister of State John Browne, who officially opened a farmers’ market in Wexford yesterday, said these outlets offer a real opportunity of stimulating sustainable production of foods reflecting the unique characteristics of locality and region.