Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 395: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the growth of farmers markets throughout the country, she or her Department has plans to support these markets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26363/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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One of our commitments under the Programme for Government is the encouragement of more direct selling from farmer to customer by restoring and promoting a national network of farmers' markets. In this context both myself and my Ministerial colleagues have participated at events including launches of new markets etc. to champion the scope of this route to market for the overall benefit of our food industry and our local communities.

An Bord Bia, which operates under the aegis of my Department, works closely with other State and local agencies to exploit the growing opportunities for farmers markets including sponsorship of the RTE Television series Fresh From the Farmers' Markets in 2007 an initiative that will be repeated in 2008. My Department in co-operation with Bord Bia will host a Conference on Local Food — Exploring the Opportunities — on 13th November next to raise awareness of local food, to highlight the benefits of local food initiatives for both the consumer and the producer and to provide relevant information and support for those involved in local food production.