John Carty (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 47: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the initiative to promote local and regional food economies. [38301/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I believe that the food industry must be developed at all levels in the new more market oriented CAP framework. In this context, a new initiative involving the holding of regional food fora to promote local and regional food economies was launched recently. The first regional food forum organised by my Department and Bord Bia with all other State agencies responsible for food industry development was held in Donegal recently.

The north west forum, Market Focus for Small Food Enterprises, focused on some of the issues confronting small food producers and key speakers shared experiences on regional food marketing and development with food enterprises from counties Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim.

State agencies and service providers were in attendance to offer advice and assistance to producers or enterprises interested in building small food businesses and a variety of food products from the north west was showcased, emphasising the importance of the food industry to the region's economy. I also launched the North West Food and Drink Trade Directory, a comprehensive guide to small food business in the north west, as well as agencies at national and regional level. Access to timely and up-to-date industry information is important for small businesses and the guide is a valuable reference source for the food industry in the region.

This initiative aims to stimulate and expand interest in regional and local food production and to encourage the formation and growth of more small rural-based food enterprises on a regional basis. The speciality and artisan food sectors have developed a new momentum and research indicates that further opportunities exist for the right products. There is considerable scope to develop new opportunities in Ireland and the United Kingdom, where the market is forecast to reach €7.5 billion over the next three years.

It is my intention to use this forum model in other areas of the country to ensure a continued focus on the potential for local food production. I believe that by working closely with farmers, small food producers and local agencies we can successfully promote food enterprise and innovation to develop unique products reflecting the strengths of each region.