Galway food brand could create local jobs

By SIOBHÃÂN HOLLIMAN HUNDREDS of local jobs could be created by significantly developing Co Galway's indigenous food sector. A number of agencies are collaborating with small producers in an effort to boost the sector, which, it's believed, could be worth millions to the county and West of Ireland economies. Galway Co Council is working closely with Galway Rural Development, Teagasc, Bord Bia, the Irish Organic Growers Association and Údarás na Gaeltachta to raise the profile of local producers around Galway from cheesemakers to bakers, from turkey farmers to vegetable growers. One initiative being developed is the creation of an over-arching Galway brand or label for food and artisan products that are indigenous to the county. Galway is also being marketed as a good-food destination and the first Galway Food Festival will be held in the city over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend. Caitriona Scully of the Community Enterprise and Economic Development unit in Galway Co Council says food is becoming more and more important as a source of employment in the area. The Council is working on developing an extensive database of local growers and food producers in Co Galway and expects to include information on more than 200 names. Representatives from key agencies involved in supporting food producers will attend a public forum in Claregalway this evening (Wednesday) to discuss the various supports available to local food enterprises. Two of the county's most successful food producers, The Friendly Farmer and The Foods of Athenry, will share their experiences and offer advice. 'We want to give producers an idea of the supports available to them in further developing their product and how to go about expanding their business,' said Cait­riona Scully. She told The Tuam Herald that while many producers are happy to continue as a small, home-based operation and sell at local markets, there are other producers who are doing well and are eager to expand. The Council is embarking on a survey of producers in Co Galway to ascertain what they feel to be the main obstacles they have encountered in developing their business. 'We are eager to work with other agencies in helping to remove barriers for small producers and enable them to expand,' said Caitriona. About 100 local producers and growers are expected to attend this evening's forum which takes place in the Claregalway Hotel from 6.30 pm. Many local producers are also expected to take part in Galway's first Food Festival from Friday, April 6 to April 9. It aims to promote good food and good food outlets in Galway, to showcase Galway food producers and to attract visitors to a family-friendly event while promoting healthy eating. It will feature open-air markets, restaurant trails, cookery demonstrations, a festival village, food tours, foraging, talks, tastings, workshops and children's activities. â€Ëœ'Galway is renowned for both its excellent local produce and its high number and quality of restaurants. It was thus felt important that it should have its own food festival highlighting, promoting and celebrating all that is good about Galway's food and dining,'' said festival chairman JP Mc Mahon of Cava restaurants.