Coughlan launches initiative to stimulate interest in food production
Involving her department, Bord Bia and other State agencies responsible for food industry development, it aims to stimulate and expand interest in regional and local food production.
Ms Coughlan launched it in Killybegs, Co Donegal, at the first of what is expected to be a series of regional food forums for small enterprises.
She said it was an opportune time to encourage the formation and growth of small rural-based food enterprises on a regional basis.
The majority of the 700 companies operating in the Irish food industry are classified as small or micro-sized enterprises.
“From an almost negligible base a few years ago, the sector now has a turnover of over €250 million.
“Although individually small, collectively they account for a substantial part of the employment and output of the industry as a whole,” she said.
Ms Coughlan said Ireland is rapidly gaining a reputation for producing value-added speciality food.
“There is considerable potential for further expansion with the speciality food market in Ireland and Britain forecast to reach €7.5 billion over the next three years,” she said.
Speakers at the first forum shared experiences on regional food marketing and development with food enterprises from counties Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim.
State agencies and service providers offered advice and assistance to those interested in building small food businesses. A variety of food products from the northwest was showcased, emphasising the importance of the food industry to the region’s economy.
Ms Coughlan said it was her intention that the forum model would be used in other areas of the country to ensure a continued focus on the potential for local food production.
