Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Senator Pippa Hackett):

I think supporting small food producers is an important programme for Government commitment, as the Deputy outlined. Both the programme for Government and Food Vision 2030 acknowledge and underline the importance of our food producers, particularly our farmers and small food producers, and their importance in maintaining vibrant rural and coastal communities. Support is available to local small food producers and businesses in a variety of ways. Bord Bia has recently commissioned research, which examined, among other things, how other countries have been successful in developing premium markets for family farm produce from small producers. One of the issues outlined in that report was the barriers faced by producers. While there are lots of supports available to our smaller food producers, access to them and information on how to access them was found to be a barrier. Food producers were not aware that supports are available. In terms of supports provided, my Department administers the rural innovation and development fund, which includes an agrifood tourism initiative. For initiatives such as the development of farm shops, niche products and ecotourism, and for market development, competitiveness and innovation, support continues to be made available through the LEADER food initiative, which is funded by my Department through CAP and operated by the Department of Rural and Community Development. The new CAP strategic plan will provide supports to farmers and rural communities. The LEADER programme is a key element of that. My Department has also provided funding of almost €10 million for the equipment provided to the Prepared Consumer Foods Centre, which is based in Teagasc in Ashtown. I will get to the other issues in my follow-up.

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