Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 552: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will report on the work undertaken by the organic market development group to promote the concepts of farmers markets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19700/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The organic market development group, OMDG, recognises the important role of farmers' markets in Ireland both as a route to market and also as a starting point for new organic entrants. While organic producers are well represented at local food markets in Ireland the markets are not the exclusive preserve of organic producers. The OMDG, which is chaired by Bord Bia, believes that the small business department of Bord Bia, which has been very proactive in developing farmers' markets for a number of years, should continue to develop this area while also exploring alternative routes to markets including box schemes and online sales.

My Department has asked Bord Bia to carry out a retail market channel study this year. The results of this study, which will include farmers' markets and other direct selling routes, will then be considered by the OMDG.