Published: Wednesday, 30th June, 2010 5:00pm

New market shows pride in produce

The new food market is up and running. Minister Brendan Smith launched the market in the Town Hall carpark last Friday morning with a little help from the committee and elected representatives.

Cavan has a tradition of good food and pride in local food production, Minister for Agriculture Brendan Smith told those enjoying the first Cavan Farmers Market last Friday morning.

The minister performed the official opening, while the crowd browsed in the morning sunshine, enjoying the food and drink, the lively, chatty atmosphere, and Neven Maguire showing them how to make pesto.

An admittedly unscientific survey of the stall-holders suggests that the new market has a bright future... within 90 minutes of the opening the bread and cakes were running out, the coffee girl hardly had a minute, as she kept it filtered and offered chocolate brownies, the cheese lady (whose product Neven was championing next door) gave a choice between five-day-old and 10-day-old goat cheeses, as well as dozens more, and the fish man was working to keep his product chilled as the temperature rose.

Meanwhile shoppers milled around, discussing the produce with the suppliers and each other, selecting from a high quality range of everything the healthy dinner table could need.

From on high, Minister Smith paid tribute to Breffni Integrated Ltd, and Cavan County and Town Councils for foresight in encouraging a farmers market as part of their strategy for the development of tourism and agriculture: "In many towns and at festivals farmers markets have been proven to be a good route to market," he said, "particularly for small producers, who can develop a business without having to invest a lot of capital up front. They are also an enjoyable way for locals and visitors to share fresh local food and experience and to return for more.

And research from Bord Bia has shown that it's not just the local producers and stall-holders that benefit. Markets bring increased footfall which benefits all traders, in many cases business in the surrounding area can be up 10%."

It sounds promising for the future of the town and the county, and it's well worth a visit. The market is scheduled to take place each Friday 10am-2pm in the Town Hall car park.

"I look forward to regular visits to the Cavan Farmers Market and in particular to returning officially to raise the Good Practice Banner," the minister concluded.