16 January 2008
The Minister for Food and Horticulture, Mr Trevor Sargent T.D., at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, today met with key representatives – Mayors, Local Authority Managers, Cathaoirligh, and Town Clerks – from local authorities for a dialogue on direct routes to market for local food with a particular focus on farmers’ markets.
“I am aiming to promote a common approach among local authorities in dealing with farmers markets. A joined up approach across departments and agencies and dialogue and co-operation with local authority policy makers will strengthen the growth, viability and prosperity of the farmers’ market system in Ireland”.
Minister Sargent said that experience of farmers’ markets and farm shops suggests that they can provide wide-ranging benefits, both locally and regionally which can be measured socially, environmentally and economically. These include access to affordable in-season quality fresh food (organic and non-organic), more money circulating in local economies, the preservation and development of regional specialties, more choice for consumers and opportunities for producers as well as environmental benefits. Well-organised and consistent quality markets can, in addition, become a valuable tourist attraction, increasing footfall in towns to the benefit of all retailers.
In terms of direct economic benefit the Minister stated that recent research has shown that every €10 spent at a farmers’ market results in a net income of €24 for the local community. “There is a spin-off for the local community and local retailers as a result of money being spent at farmers’ markets. It has been estimated that the trade for other businesses increases by up to 30% when a farmers’ market is run in a town”, the Minister said.
Officials at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food recently conducted a survey into all existing markets and the key findings were presented for the first time at the event. This information will assist in formulating Government policy at both local and national level.
Read the Minister’s address here.
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