Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 203: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the potential for the development of local and regional food economies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40709/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I am firmly of the view that there is great potential for development of local and regional food economies, which is why I have established a regional food fora initiative involving my Department, Bord Bia and the other food development agencies. The first forum was held in Donegal in late 2005 on the theme of Market Focus for small food enterprises. Speakers shared experiences on regional food development, state agencies and service providers were on hand to assist producers and food enterprises interested in growing their business, food products from the region were showcased and a Food and Drink Trade Directory for the region was also launched.

Three further Regional Food Fora have been held in 2006 in the North-East (Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan) in June, in the Midlands (Portlaoise) in September and in the South-East (Kilkenny) in November. In all, 18 counties have been covered by the initiative to date. The response from small food companies and producers to the events overall and the contribution of local food entrepreneurs willing to share their experience of success has been enthusiastic. At the most recent Forum, in Kilkenny, there was a very positive response to a food safety workshop delivered jointly by my Department and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. This regional initiative has offered small food entrepreneurs good opportunities to showcase products, build business linkages and obtain advice on what development agencies have to offer. 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. Marketing those foods is important. The International Speciality Food Forum organised by Bord Bia in May, at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin focused on the theme of Regional and Local Foods — An Opportunity for Growth. Up to 80 Irish speciality and premium food and drink producers showcased their products to around 150 trade buyers attending from Ireland and the UK.

Bord Bia also undertook research this year into the opportunities for Irish speciality and local foods in Great Britain, in particular consumer motivation, to assist and orient small food companies interested in that market. Bord Bia's Guide to the Retail Speciality Sector to assist small and speciality producers was launched at the Regional Food Forum in Kilkenny. Varied routes to market are central to the development of small food businesses and the record growth of farmers markets is testament to this. 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. The output of the Irish artisan and speciality food sectors grew 10% in 2005 to reach €475m. This strong performance demonstrates the opportunities that exist for the right products. There are further growth prospects for these sectors nationally and in the United Kingdom where the market is forecast to reach €7.5 billion over three years making initiatives to promote local and regional food economies very timely.