Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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947. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the strategy to support local and artisan food and drink producers in developing Irish food culture and production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24449/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government commitment to have a comprehensive strategy to support local and artisan food and drink producers in developing Irish food culture and production is an acknowledgement of the importance of our food producers, particularly our farmers and fishers and the importance of maintaining vibrant rural and coastal communities.

Any strategy will need to reflect the range of supports for local food and drink producers across a number of Departments and Agencies which include but are not limited to the following:

• The Government CAP Strategic Plan for 2023-2027 implemented in my own Department will deliver €9.8 billion over its lifetime and will provide vital support to primary food producers, producer organisations and rural communities.
• The LEADER Programme, under the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, is a key element of the CAP plan and will continue to play a vital role in supporting in particular local initiatives including small local and artisan food producers.
• Bord Bia has developed webinars on farmers’ market skills training workshops to support new and existing members of the food market network.
• There is a range of supports available from Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices including in collaboration with Bord Bia on initiatives such as the Food Academy supports for local food producers bringing their product to market.
• Supports for tourism activities including from my own Department.