Moycullen’s Country Market has been given the official stamp of approval by the Government.
The market, which runs every Friday at An Fuaran Shopping Centre, is one of only 26 in the country and the only one in Galway to be awarded the Farmers’ Markets Good Practice Standard.
Minster of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food with responsibility for Food and Horticulture, Trevor Sergeant, announced the awards this week, saying he was delighted that more than a quarter of markets across the country reached, and in some cases exceeded, the good practice standard.
It is just over a year since An Fuaran set up its country market, boasting a wide selection of fresh locally produced food and craft. Available every Friday from 1pm to 7pm, the market has mushroomed into a busy shopping and social occasion, providing shoppers with fresh, flavourful produce direct from the producers.
Now the Moycullen Country Market will be able to display the Good Practice Standard. It has been awarded the standard having achieved the criteria set by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food - to undertake to hold markets regularly; to stock a substantial proportion, ideally at least 50 per cent, of local produce from the county or neighbouring counties; to accommodate seasonal and local garden/allotment produce, as well as compliance with food safety/labelling rules and criteria on good governance.
The market in Moycullen boasts more than 20 stall holders with products that include fish, meat, vegetables, home baking, cheese, and eggs, in addition to a variety of craft items. Importantly it provides shoppers from throughout the area and Connemara with the opportunity to buy produce direct from local farmers and producers without the hassle of travelling into the city.
Minister Sergeant said the Good Practice Standard would give “consumers more confidence in what local food markets stood for and provide producers with a good route to market and opportunity to deal directly with consumers”.
Bord Bia will denote such markets on its website and Good Food Ireland has also expressed interest in including the Good Practice markets in its guides.
Farmers' Markets in Ireland have experienced considerable growth in recent years with almost 150 currently in existence throughout Ireland.
