Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 89: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress that farmers have made in relation to direct sales of their produce to consumers by way of farmers markets; the supports, monitoring and strategies in place to develop such markets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40257/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Direct routes to market, in particular Farmers markets, are a growing and pioneering route to market for farmers, domestic and small food producers in Ireland. They collectively make a major contribution to the local economy encouraging local produce, assisting start-ups of new businesses and maintaining local employment. The growth of these markets also reflects changing consumer preferences for fresh locally produced foods. They offer producers the opportunity to meet and sell directly to consumers and offer consumers an enjoyable shopping experience promoting provenance and authenticity. The most recent number of markets recorded in Ireland is 112; this is an increase of over 60 new markets since February 2005. A full listing of farmers markets is available on the Bord Bia website www.bordbia.ie.

Bord Bia has a dedicated direct routes to market resource in the Small Business Department which provides assistance to producers, individuals and market organisers. This mentoring assistance is vital for start up companies who wish to utilize the markets from a sales, marketing, product development and consumer perspective. Bord Bia continue to provide practical advise to those interested in starting a local food market.

Building on the success of the Farmleigh Food Market, Bord Bia and the Office of Public Works have this year held one-day seasonal food markets on OPW Heritage sites in Fota House & Gardens, Cork and JFK Arboretum, Wexford to enhance public awareness of heritage sites and foster closer ties with the local farming, business and community interests.

Bord Bia is cooperating with the Dublin City Council with regard to the Dublin City Markets in Smithfield where their extensive regeneration programme with particular emphasis on the development of the Fruit, Vegetable and Fish markets and surrounding areas is underway. The Dublin City Council has set up a Consultative Forum on the markets which is facilitated by Bord Bia. The forum which is comprised of members from the Irish Farmers Markets Traders Organisation, retailers, restaurateurs, traders, Bord Bia and Dublin City Council. This promises to be one of the most exciting and innovative developments for the Farmers Market concept and will provide access for small food producers to the lucrative Dublin market.

Looking ahead Bord Bia will produce an information guide which will explore farmers markets as an alternative route to market for small business farmers and entrepreneurs. To support the development of farmers markets in Ireland, Teagasc supported by Bord Bia will run a series of farmers market training courses starting in 2007. The course is targeted at existing and potential new entrants to the farmers markets system and will provide participants with the knowledge, skill and competence for direct selling of food products in compliance with food safety regulations and product liability legislation. My Department will continue to support Bord Bia initiatives in this area and develop this important route to market for Irish business giving its importance to regional and local food economies.