STIMULATING AND SUPPORTING NEW BUSINESS IN IRELAND

Minister O Cuiv to officially launch Local Food Programme and Farmers Market in Roscommon.

By James Donlon, January 25, 2007

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív, T.D., will be in Roscommon on Friday 2nd February to officially launch the Local Food Programme, currently underway in Co Roscommon, as well as to officially open the recently established Farmers Market and Civic Space off Market Square in Roscommon town

Both the Local Food Programme and the Farmers Market Project have been developed and funded by Mid-South Roscommon LEADER Company and managed by WESTBIC, aimed at fostering the development of the food sector in the region. In particular the programme aims to add value to local and farm-based produce through a range of measures, to encourage the establishment of new food enterprises as well as working with existing food companies to enhance their capacity and capability. Additionally, strong emphasis is placed on generating an awareness and appreciation of quality local food products in order to create a basis for the sustainable development of the food sector.

A range of activities make up the overall programme, designed to the meet the objectives set out, and suited to the local food/rural environment as follows:

· A range of awareness and information events and dissemination activities, including food fair and conference, schools awareness programme, culinary exchanges, newsletters, website and directory/database
· Workshops for the generation and development of new food ideas
· A range of training and mentoring programmes for new and existing local food enterprises
· Butchery training courses
· Support for the establishment of new food enterprises, including those based in rural communities
· Programmes to add value to primary produce, including producer groups and farmers markets
· Delivery of a dedicated food enterprise programme
· Work with existing food companies to enhance their competitiveness and innovation potential
· Exchanges with other regions with developed food sectors to learn from good practice and identify innovative approaches to developing the local food sector
· Establishment of a Local Food logo/brand for the region

Significant progress has been made in the region through these measures, which will continue into the future in order to foster the sustainable development of the food sector. Currently a food-enterprise training programme is underway, follow-up butchery training is being organised and a range of awareness activities are ongoing in the region.

Importantly, the programme is supported by a number of other agencies in the region, including Teagasc, IFA, County Enterprise board, Western Development Commission, the Rural Food Company Accel programme, and is managed by WESTBIC– the Business and Innovation Centre in the region, thereby adding value throughout the delivery process.

Roscommon Farmers Market and Civic Space
A significant aspect of the programme, designed to underpin the range of support provided to the local food sector, has been the recent establishment of a weekly farmer’s market in Roscommon town. This is located at the new Civic Space in Roscommon town, and was generously funded by Mid-South Roscommon LEADER. This market, which takes place every Friday, provides a showcase of quality local produce available in the region and gives the opportunity to farmers and local producers to sell directly to consumers, thereby adding value to their output and generating increased incomes. The product range includes fresh fruit and vegetables, organic meats, fresh fish, eggs, home-baking products, jams and preserves, herbs, organic yoghurts and dairy products and a range of other products including seasonal items. A feature of the farmers market is the organisation of regular themed events, particularly suited to different seasons and occasions, which include seasonal produce and other activities to meet the needs of the regular visitors to the market.

The market is fast developing into an enjoyable social occasion for customers, who can also sit and relax with a cup of tea and a snack, and chat to others in the seating areas that are available, bringing a strong sense of community spirit to the weekly event in the town.

The Civic Space, which is managed by a voluntary committee, with assistance through the Rural Social Scheme, is also available for other events, and is suitable for Arts and Crafts, exhibitions, civic receptions and other uses.

The official launch of the Farmers Market and Civic Space, as well as the overall Local Food Programme, will take place at 11.00am on Friday 2nd February at the Farmers Market. The general public are invited to attend this special occasion for the town.