Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 378: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to encourage more direct selling from farmer to customers by restoring and promoting a national network of farmers markets. [18156/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Bord Bia as part of its function to promote marketing opportunities continually assists producers and market organisers on sales, marketing, product development, consumer aspects. It has taken the lead in publishing a guide on 'Alternative Routes to Market'. This provides step-by-step plans, checklists and guidelines to assist growers and food entrepreneurs who wish to set up in business through farmers' markets, farm shops and box schemes. The Guide was launched at the National Conference on Local Food in Mullingar organised by my Department and Bord Bia in October 2007.

Over 100 farmers markets operate throughout the country and in December 2007, Bord Bia and my Department surveyed the organisers of Farmers' Markets to monitor progress and highlight any issues which need to be addressed. The findings of the survey were presented at a Local Authority Forum on Farmers Markets in January which brought together key representatives — Mayors, Local Authority Managers, Cathaoirligh, and Town Clerks — from local authorities to discuss direct routes to market for local food and, in particular, farmers' markets. Examples were also presented of markets operating in Ireland, UK and France. Discussions have since taken place at inter-Departmental level and a group will shortly be established to work on draft guidelines for local authority farmers markets and to consult widely to promote a common approach to assist authorities and small local food producers. Teagasc has also established a training programme for "Direct Selling" designed to meet the needs of traders involved in farmers markets.

Bord Bia has worked with the Office of Public Works (OPW) to develop the exceptionally successful Farmleigh market model, which has been used seasonally on Fota and in the JFK arboretum, and is working with Dublin City Council on the Smithfield market project. An all-Ireland St Patrick's Day food market was held in Covent Garden London on 15th & 16th March 2008. Some 50 artisan producers took space in the market selling farmhouse cheeses, traditional breads, smoked fish, and luxury confectionery. Bord Bia is also promoting Farmers Markets through sponsorship of the 2008 RTE television series 'Fresh from the Farmers Market'. This will feature 16 markets and 24 producers from around the country providing the public and producers with experiences of the real opportunities in this area.