Planting ideas for farmers’ markets

The possibility of holding farmers’ markets on Office of Public Works sites in various parts of the country is being considered.

Food Minister Brendan Smith has confirmed that Bord Bia is in discussion with the OPW about appropriate expansion of these markets on the sites.

He said there was potential for growth of the speciality, artisan and local sector to extend consumer choice in product range and shopping experience, benefiting agriculture and the local economy.

Mr Smith said Bord Bia staged Ireland’s largest outdoor food market for 110 small food producers at its international food symposium in Kinsale.

The aim was to support small food producers and to demonstrate what was involved in setting up and running a farmers’ market.

Since then, in partnership with the OPW, it has run successful markets in Farmleigh in 2003, attracting more than 35,000 visitors, and in 2004. Bord Bia’s online guide includes a list of markets in Ireland.

Meanwhile, the Green Party leader Trevor Sargent, speaking at the opening of the latest organic farmers’ market in Ranelagh, Dublin, called on Government to establish and promote a national organic label.

He urged Bord Bia to instigate an annual organic promotion week and said Government should also put in place a targeted growth strategy for the organic sector so as to minimise reliance on imports.

Mr Sargent said Ireland had less than one per cent of farmed land producing under an organic standard. Consequently, supply still falls far short of demand with 70% of Ireland’s €37 million market for organic produce being imported.