All over Europe small food producers sell their produce at local markets. This is normal practice and not seen as exceptionally high risk. There is a growing interest in this type of local produce market in Ireland and in recent years these markets have grown in popularity. This type of market helps to keep the profits with the producer and at the same time giving the consumer fresh local produce. Country Markets and Farmers Markets present a real opportunity for local producers to sell their produce directly to the consumer. Because of the growing interest, a group of local producers and other interested people set off to visit both a country market and a farmers market. ‘What is the difference?’ you may well ask, well both are run by different organisations. Country Markets were actually founded in the late 1940´s. They sell low risk home produce, such as bakery products, jams, chutneys, seasonal fruit and vegetables and home crafts. Farmers markets are a much more recent phenomenon, although they have been growing steadily in recent years. At farmers markets you will find specialist producers selling specialist foods. The range of goods available at farmers markets are often determined by the hygiene regulations. Examples of this type of produce includes cheese produce, fresh cream, lamb, wine, quiche, pies, many varieties of gourmet foods, wild boar, seasonal fruit and vegetables and an interesting variety
of local crafts.
On Saturday 22nd November 2003 a group fieldtrip organised by the MED Partnership Group and supported by Donegal Local Development Company, comprising of 30 people set off from Donegal on a two-day fact finding visit. The first stop was the monthly Country Market in Enniskillen. The group spent an hour in Enniskillen and chatted with the ladies involved in the market. The producers were very busy and a range of home baked products, vegetables and crafts were on offer. The producers were also accepting orders for Christmas goods. The market is held once a month at the Diamond in Enniskillen. The group then departed Enniskillen and made the journey to Castle Bellingham, County Louth. The group reviewed their learning experience overnight in the Bellingham Arms Hotel. The monthly farmers market is held in the grounds of the hotel. The fact finding mission was impressed with the extensive market and the large crowd attending. Organisers estimated over 4,000 people present and it is indeed well worth a visit. It is an interesting market, featuring a wide variety of local foods and crafts. The farmers market create a great atmosphere with quality fresh produce direct form the producer at a reasonable price. The group thoroughly enjoyed their visit and it is a hope that some of the group members may begin to explore the possibility of a country market and a farmers market in the region. The organisers, the MED Partnership Group, thanked Donegal Local Development Company for their funding support and concluded the study visit was a critical stage in leading to future developments.