Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 78: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the growth of the slow food movement, she will encourage through her Department the growing awareness of this movement and support local producers to sell within local markets. [27074/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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This Government is committed to supporting local and regional food and both Towards 2016 and my Department's Agri-Vision 2015 Action Plan include measures in this regard.

Bord Bia, which operates under the aegis of my Department has worked closely with other State and local agencies to exploit the growing opportunities for markets, providing a guide to farmers markets, advice and mentoring assistance.

A comprehensive "Guide to Selling Through Farmers' Markets, Farm Shops and Box Schemes in Ireland" will be launched this month to assist local producers wishing to sell their produce in the local area.

I believe it is crucial to raise general awareness of the local concept. In that regard my Department in co-operation with Bord Bia organised a series of regional food fora which took place over an eighteen month period from late 2005 to early 2007. These events brought together regional, speciality and artisan producers along with relevant state agencies. The aim was to increase awareness of emerging market opportunities and encourage best practice in developing regional and local excellence in food. It also provided a forum for these producers to raise issues of particular concern.

As a follow up to the regional food fora my Department in conjunction with Bord Bia is holding a conference on the topic of Local Food, exploring the opportunities, in Mullingar on the 13th November at which my colleague Trevor Sargent will be presiding. This event aims to raise awareness of local food and to highlight the benefits of local food initiatives for both the consumer and the producer. It will also provide relevant information and support for those involved in local food production.