De Búrca calls for better branding of Wicklow food
Following her attendance at the recent WOW Food and Heritage Festival launched by Green Minister Trevor Sargent in Wicklow Town, Senator Déirdre de Búrca has called for better branding of local food produce from County Wicklow. The launch took place at the Ecology Centre of the Dominican Convent in Wicklow Town, where approximately 70 acres of land is being farmed organically. According to the Green Party Senator, County Wicklow is home to many specialty and artisan food products, including cheeses, ice-cream and meats. She claims that the growth in the number of farmer’s markets in the county is stimulating the supply of these specialty food products. “County Wicklow stands out as a county in which there is a dynamic and strong food culture” says the Green Party Senator. “Farmers markets are being established across the county and they allow food producers to connect directly with their customers and to advise them on local produce. The diversity and range of local and specialty food products at these markets is extremely impressive”. Senator de Búrca says that she believes County Wicklow should engage in better branding and marketing of its local food produce. “For example Wicklow lamb should have a very strong brand identity” says De Búrca. “Many Wicklow farmers have lobbied my colleague Minister Sargent to address the rapid and worrying decline in local abbatoirs in the county so that Wicklow lambs don’t have to be exported to abattoirs in other counties. Wicklow County Council must also play its part in supporting local food producers and promoting Wicklow food produce as a distinctive brand”. De Búrca has also proposed that Wicklow Tourism might consider organising an annual county-wide Wicklow Food Festival that would allow different parts of the county to attract visitors through promoting local food produce. “County Wicklow must become synonymous with good food” she says. “Proper branding is an essential part of this exercise”.
For further information please contact
Senator Déirdre de Búrca on (086) 806 1450
