Two Galway farmers’ markets have been awarded the Farmers’ Market Good Practice Standard for 2011 to 2013. The markets, in Moycullen and Roundstone, were among seven around the country which received the standard from Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney this week.
Farmers’ markets displaying the Good Practice Standard undertake to hold markets regularly, to stock a substantial proportion, ideally 50 per cent, of local produce from the county or neighbouring counties, to accommodate seasonal and local garden/allotment produce, and to promote compliance with food safety and labelling rules.
Both Roundstone Country Market and Moycullen Country Market received the standard this week. Last year Kinvara Farmers’ Market adopted the voluntary standard.
Minister Coveney congratulated the recipients of the standard this week. “Consumers are seeking a greater connection with the food they buy,” he said. “Environmental concerns reflect 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.”
