National prize for Kinvara Farmers’ Market

A South Galway farmers’ market received national recognition at last weekend’s Bloom festival in Dublin.

Kinvara Farmers’ Market was one of five nationwide to be announced as having achieved the Farmers Market Good Practice Standard, bringing the total number since the scheme was launched this time last year to 39.
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Ciarán Cuffe, made the announcement at the Artisan Food Market at Bloom.
The junior minister congratulated the markets, saying he was delighted with the success of the voluntary code and that markets across the country had reached and in some cases exceeded the voluntary good practice standard since its launch at Bloom 2009.
Farmers’ markets displaying the Good Practice Standard undertake to hold markets regularly; to stock a substantial proportion, ideally at least 50%, of local produce from the county or neighbouring counties; to accommodate seasonal and local garden or allotment produce as well as compliance with food safety/labelling rules and criteria on good governance.
“Farmers’ markets provide producers with a cost-effective direct route to customers.
“I believe farmers’ markets will play an ever more important role in delivering income to producers and good value to the public. My colleague, Minister John Gormley, will open a world conference on markets in Dublin later this month, which provides an opportunity to reflect on the further potential contribution retail markets can deliver to the economy and sustainable employment,” Minister Cuffe stated.
Rosaleen Tanham of Kinvara ­Farmers’ Market believes that reaching the standard is particularly impressive in the case of the newly established market.
“Considering that the market is only in its second year of existence, it is a great achievement. Hopefully, it will mean increased business for the stallholders through more publicity. It also means that the stallholders will have pride in the market and have a vested interest in keeping the standard high,” she stated.
The market must have five stalls providing a range of food and horticulture to receive the award and Kinvara boasts 18.
The market has been so successful that it and the Orchard project nearby look set to be featured on national television later this year on an RTÉ programme to be presented by chef Richard Corrigan.
Speaking at Bloom, Minister Cuffe said he believed local authorities have a greater role to play in providing, nurturing and supporting local markets.
“In recent times, there has been a focus on the strong economic benefits of local food production and sales. The economic multiplier effect can support local producers. Local food typically has a smaller carbon footprint than produce that travels from far away. Local markets can boost awareness of regional products and lead to increased sales.
“Many of us have visited local markets while travelling in countries such as France, Italy and Spain. There is real value in food markets that allow consumers to purchase fresh local fruit and vegetables for everyday use. I want local authorities to encourage and foster local markets. This will boost the local economy, support tourism and create employment,” he stated.
“There is an increasing demand by consumers for products that create a less negative impact on the environment. In this regard, I believe that Ireland has particular advantages, including well-maintained fertile soil, a plentiful water supply and a rich food culture which owes much of its diversity to varied routes to market, including farmers’ markets,” Minister Cuffe concluded.
The other markets awarded the Good Practice Standard this year are ­Monaghan, Longford, Erris and Dingle.