Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 48: 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. [5608/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Farmers' markets represent a real growth opportunity for farmers and small-scale food producers, as demonstrated by over 100 farmers' markets now in operation throughout Ireland.

I am committed to supporting activities to promote farmers' markets in general and was particularly pleased to launch the Origin farmers' markets initiative a few months ago in Manorhamilton, County Leitrim, on behalf of the Irish Country Markets Association. Bord Bia, which operates under the aegis of my Department, works closely with other State and local agencies to exploit the growing opportunities for markets. In co-operation with Invest Northern Ireland, it has published a comprehensive information guide on the operation of farmers' markets. Bord Bia has a dedicated person in the small business department to assist producers and individuals, and performs a vital support function through the provision of advice and mentoring assistance.

In 2005, at the suggestion of my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Brendan Smith, Bord Bia and the Office of Public Works examined the feasibility of using selected national heritage sites as possible future venues for farmers markets. On completion of that work the Minister of State, Deputy Brendan Smith, and the Minister of State, Deputy Parlon, recently launched the Bord Bia-OPW farmers' markets programme for 2006. This is a new and significant extension of the successful food at Farmleigh programme, with five regional heritage sites selected for one-day food market events. The programme commences on 26 February in Fota House and Gardens, County Cork, and other events are planned for counties Wexford, Kildare, Donegal and Laois.

Bord Bia is also liaising with Dublin City Council as part of the Smithfield regeneration programme and the proposed development of the fruit, vegetable and fish markets. Interested parties were invited to make submissions on the proposed regeneration to the Dublin City Council planner and a consultative forum, including Bord Bia, was established. This initiative will provide small food producers with direct access to the lucrative Dublin market.

Such initiatives provide producers with direct access to consumers, assist the development of local and regional speciality foods and present consumers with an alternative retail experience. There are also a variety of indirect benefits in terms of improved community spirit, increased employment and added value for tourism. In light of evolving consumer preferences and the growing demand for locally produced foods, I believe there is yet more potential for increased growth in the quantity and variety of produce channelled in this way.