Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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41. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the new schemes being introduced in 2018 to develop the artisan food sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18259/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Growth prospects for the artisan food sector are positive overall, driven by increased consumer interest in the provenance of food, environmental concerns, health and a desire to support the local economy.

There is provision in the Rural Development Programme (RDP), for funding to support new and existing artisan, micro and small food producers to address emerging challenges through investment in areas such as market development, competitiveness and innovation. This funding will be delivered using the LEADER methodology. I hope to announce further details of this in the near future with my colleague Minister Ring.