Successful Launch of Local Food Programme
By James Donlon, March 21, 2006
The official launch of the new ‘Local Food’ programme for Mid-South Roscommon was undertaken by Mr Brendan Smith T.D., Minister for State at the Department of Agriculture and Food, at the Food Fair and Conference held in the Hodson Bay Hotel last week.
As part of a new initiative developed and funded by Mid-South Roscommon LEADER Company and managed by WESTBIC, the programme aims to promote the development of the food sector in the region, including adding value to primary produce through the establishment of producer groups, farmer’s market and other projects.
The recent food fair and conference was designed to create an interest in and appreciation of local food, which included participation from a number of established food enterprises from the surrounding region. This well attended event included an address from renowned food expert John McKenna – author of the Bridgestone Food Guides as well as a cookery demonstration by Celebrity chef Neven McGuire.
Following the official launch of the event by the Minister, came a host of different speakers including Patsy Daly, Mid-South LEADER, John Brennan, Leitrim Organic Farmers Co-op, Gerry Murphy, South Mayo Lamb Producer Group, Anne Goodwin, Glenbarrow Farms, Patricia Golden, Origin Farmers Market, and Ger Cleary, Glenisk.
As a follow-up to this event, further assistance is now being offered to those interested in setting up their own food-based enterprise. As such, a series of idea development workshops will take place throughout the region in the coming weeks. Anybody interested in taking part in workshops should contact WESTBIC at 090 6625196 to reserve a place.
Shortly, work will begin on the establishment of suitable producer groups in the region, along with farmer’s market projects and other initiatives. Those interested in receiving further information should contact WESTBIC for more details.
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