In honor of St. Patrick's Day, a post about buying food that's local to Ireland. Found a great post from the Value Ireland website, quoting Irish Minister for State Tony Killeen. Here's a quote from Value Ireland:
“I would ask consumers to purchase local this year in solidarity with domestic producers who like everyone else have felt the effects of the economic recession,” stated the Minister of State.
He continued, “Shoppers can avail of a wide range of quality Irish produce including the best of Irish vegetables and Irish meats, which are fully traceable from farm to fork. Complemented by our quality seafood produce, this is as it should be for a nation that prides itself on being the Food Island.”
Minister of State Killeen noted, “For its part, the Government has demonstrated its commitment to our most important indigenous industry through the range of supports it is implementing under our Agri-Vision Plan to ensure the further development of a competitive, sustainable, innovative food industry producing quality products for the most discerning of consumers.”
Meanwhile, the Junior Agriculture Minister has said that Irish agri-food products would be promoted across the world over the coming days as 15 Government Ministers and An Taoiseach Brian Cowen prepared to celebrate St Patrick’s Day abroad.
Around the world, governments are understanding the importance of eating local, sustainable food from an economic standpoint. And while these ideas are far from new, we're still at the beginning of the curve. Local, sustainable food is tastier, healthier, safer, better for the environment, and better for our economy... bring it on!
Happy St. Patrick's Day.
