Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 20: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of jobs that are sustained within the artisan food sector; the trajectory of this sector; the level of specific targeted support that this sector receives; and his plans, if any, to simplify the structures and supports available for the artisan food producers to export goods to the international market. [11334/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Neither the CSO nor my Department hold the figures requested by the Deputy as there is not a consensus definition of "artisan" food businesses. Artisan food is categorised by an uncompromised commitment to food making skill which results in superior flavour or taste. It may also be identified in terms of the skills, passion and beliefs of the individuals behind the foods. Typically such individuals seek out the best available ingredients and make their food using non-industrial and artisan techniques, which are usually labour intensive. Ireland's small business base in the food sector is estimated to comprise some 350 firms employing around 3,000 people and 25% of these businesses might be considered artisan.

The Food Harvest 2020 Report recognises the emergence of Ireland's artisan food sector and its potential for growth, innovation and enrichment of Ireland's tourism and the image of Ireland internationally. The Report encourages an entrepreneurial approach to small start-up food businesses and artisan producers and action to promote sustainable and locally embedded food procurement policies and systems; to promote and broaden opportunities, including local markets, for consumers and visiting tourists to purchase local food; to conserve and promote distinctive local food traditions at EU level and to work with bodies such as the TASTE Council and Slow Food. Artisan food businesses may avail of a range of services and supports from national and local development agencies. Some supports specifically targets at artisan and speciality food businesses are the Bord Bia Vantage suite of services for small business www.bordbiavantage.ie, specialist advice and courses from Teagasc and product development support from Bord Iascaigh Mhara. My own Department is funding the 2011/2012 UCC Diploma in Specialty Food and together with Bord Bia is running a series of Regional Food Showcases in conjunction with national and local development agencies which give artisan and specialty food producers an opportunity to display their food products and meet potential buyers.