merrion street

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney this week announced the award of the Farmers’ Market Good Practice Standard 2011-2013 to a further 7 farmers’ markets in Clare, Cork, Galway, Longford and Wexford. The Minister said he was delighted to see new applicants signing up to the Good Practice Standard. The Minister has already awarded 30 farmers’ markets with the Good Practice Standard in April 2011.

Minister Coveney added that:

Consumers are seeking a greater connection with the food they buy. Environmental concerns reflects growing interest in issues of simplicity, authenticity and heritage. People wish to sustain their own local community and markets can connect small producers with consumers in a very direct way. Also consumers enjoy the social interaction between themselves and the producer for their expertise and commitment. Many small food producers are reviving traditional recipes or coming up with new way to bring high quality fresh Irish foods to the consumer.