Local food markets a ‘new route to consumer’
Food Minister Noel Treacy, who was officially opening a farmers’ market at Monivea in Co Galway, said these outlets are a pioneering route to market for farmers and small food producers in Ireland.
“Nationally, farmers’ markets are essential as live incubation centres for new food businesses which are crucial in a post CAP reform environment for diversifying farmers,” he said.
Farmers’ markets, while in their infancy in Ireland, are expanding, with over 40 now active throughout the country.
In Britain, they have grown from zero five years ago to 400 today with an estimated annual turnover of £160 million.
They are seen as offering producers the opportunity to meet and sell directly to consumers and offer consumers the opportunity to meet the grower/maker of their food.
Mr Treacy said they also help build communities, help local farmers, boost local business by a minimum of 18%, provide a shopping choice for consumers and protect sustainable farming.
Muiris Kennedy, client services director at Bord Bia, said direct to consumer sales is considered a high potential new route to market for farm food.
“There is further scope for growth for this sector and farmers’ markets have a role to play to market in building and growing Irish speciality and artisan food sales.”
Mr Kennedy said an estimated nine per cent or €3 billion worth of the market for speciality and artisan food in Europe is sold through farmers’ markets.
Following the opening, Darina Allen briefed members of the Irish Market Traders Association, small food producers, farmers, local rural development officials and county officials on the benefits of organising farmers’ markets.
Bord Bia’s small business and speciality food marketing programmes assist some 300 owner managed small food firms to develop new business and increase sales. Some 270 of these firms are based in rural areas and make a big contribution to economic, social, cultural and environmental rural life.
