Farmers reap benefits of growth in local food markets
IFA president John Dillon said the reality is that farmers selling their produce into the established food chain and through the supermarkets are getting about 30% of the consumer price and often much less. Processors, and particularly uncontrolled supermarkets, have used their power to take unjustified margins at the expense of both farmers and consumers.
"It is a scandal to see farmers forced to produce at or below the cost of production, and then to see the supermarkets mark-up prices by 30%, 50% and even 100% in some cases", he said.
Mr Dillon said he saw the growth of local markets as farmers reclaiming ground they have lost to the supermarkets. Producers get 100% of the consumer price in the local farmers' markets, although they have some additional outlay.
"They are an important way of increasing incomes for a small but growing number of farm families," he said.
Mr Dillon was officially opening the conference on farmers' markets, organised by the Irish Food Market Traders Association and the Farmers' Journal.
He said evidence from Cahir Development Association in Co Tipperary shows that participating farm families can bring in an extra €10,000 per year without having to take an off-farm job.
A practical guide to the 80-plus farmers' markets now operating on the island of Ireland was launched at the conference by Muiris Kennedy, Client Services Director, Board Bia.
Produced by Bord Bia with Invest Northern Ireland, the guide contains information for farmers, producers and organisers about the running and operation of these markets. It lists all the main markets by county, their contact details and the traders involved.
Caroline Robinson, who welcomed the 250 delegates, urged food market stall owners to join the Irish Food Market Traders
Association www.irelandmarkets.com in order to keep up to date with events and issues connected with markets.
