Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 380: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if there is any financial assistance available in any form to assist small-scale food exporters here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4563/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department's strategy for developing the potential of small food exporters is implemented by Bord Bia, which has statutory responsibility to promote, assist and develop the marketing of Irish food and drink products. Under the national development plan, Bord Bia operates two company grant schemes, namely the market improvement assistance programme and the market participation programme, to enhance the marketing capabilities of micro-sized, small and medium-sized food companies. Funding is provided for trade fair participation, market research and design of packaging and point of sale material. In 2003, grants to the value of €970,000 were awarded to 85 small food businesses.

Over the past three years small food companies grant-aided by Bord Bia have grown on average by 17% per annum. Strong sales growth has been experienced in Ireland and the United Kingdom, with annual turnover growing to €250 million.

The Bord Bia small business unit works closely with over 300 small-scale producers to increase trade listings and to improve distribution and marketing capabilities. It provides a range of services including trade and consumer public relations, marketing competency development, buyer relationship management and promotion activities.

In 2003, Bord Bia facilitated the establishment of the "Taste Council", an artisan expert group to encourage the strategic development of the speciality food sector. The council has identified market entry, innovation and distribution as key strategic issues facing small food producers. Bord Bia and the Taste Council have prepared multi-annual strategies to develop the small business and speciality food sector, including development of new routes to market. For example, Bord Bia's Small Business Strategy 2003-2007 focuses on strategic marketing initiatives designed to increase sales in Ireland and Britain.