John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 128: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to promote farmers markets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33786/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I fully support the farmers markets concept and my Department, in co-operation with Bord Bia, the statutory food promotion agency, is actively engaged in developing the concept on a sustainable basis. Bord Bia provides a range of support services for farmers markets, including advice and mentoring assistance, and has also published a comprehensive information guide on the running and operation of these markets in co-operation with Invest Northern Ireland.

With more than 100 farmers markets now in operation, I recognise the important contribution they are making to local and regional economies through encouraging local produce, assisting start-ups of new businesses and creating local employment. The growth of these markets also reflects changing consumer preferences and demand for more locally produced foods. They offer a real opportunity to promote sustainable production of more locally produced speciality and high quality artisan type products that reflect the unique characteristics of a locality and region. They also give producers the opportunity to sell directly to consumers and from a consumer perspective provide a special shopping experience and greater choice.

Over the past three years, Bord Bia and the Office of Public Works have worked closely together on developing the "Food at Farmleigh" programme. This programme has proved very successful both from a consumer and a trader perspective, featuring more than 40 small food producers and attracting on average 6,000 visitors each Sunday. In 2006, it is intended to roll out the "Food at Farmleigh" model to other OPW heritage properties around the country, including Donegal, Laois, Wexford and Cork.

In addition, Bord Bia is co-operating with Dublin City Council on the Smithfield regeneration programme, with particular emphasis on the development of the fruit, vegetable and fish markets and surrounding areas.

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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Question 129: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the progress of the prepared consumer food sector within the food industry here. [34110/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The prepared consumer foods sector, which is the fastest growing segment of our valuable food industry, plays a significant role in the Irish economy with output of €2.6 billion and exports of €1.3 billion. Some 16,000 people are directly employed in 180 companies in the sector, which now accounts for 12% of food exports.

The food development agencies work closely with companies to assist them to develop, commercialise and market products that satisfy consumer demand and preferences. The key drivers of demand in the sector are: changes in consumer eating habits; health focus; snacking products; cook times; food service and new eating occasions, for example, in-car dining. The sector also faces challenges, principally retail consolidation, a very competitive and cost focused international market and issues of scale. The food related measures in the national development plan are focused on enhancing the competitiveness and innovative capability of the industry and exploiting market opportunities. My Department is committed to supporting the food development agencies and the industry to achieve continued growth in value added products and exports.