Free stalls for community gardens at farmers markets

-Move will promote growing food on allotments

The Green Party has welcomed a move by Irish Farmers Markets to allow holders of allotments and community gardens to sell their excess produce for free. Green Party Dublin South bye-election candidate Elizabeth Davidson successfully negotiated the agreement with Irish Farmers Markets and said the move will help budding food growers all over the country.

Ms Davidson, who is also running for a seat on South Dublin County Council in Rathfarnham said:

This will provide a way for local groups to raise funds for community benefit and also for allotment holders to find a good home for excess produce.  The Green Party is committed to decreasing the distance that food has to travel before it is eaten, increasing its nutritional value and reducing carbon footprint. 

It is vitally important for our food industry that we as consumers support locally produced produce and  encourage smallholders to produce high quality organic produce to maintain the incomes of farmers.

Irish Farmers Markets hold regular markets at Leopardstown, Howth, Malahide and Blessington in Wicklow. They also hold special markets from time to time across the country. Community growers interested in selling their food should visit www.irishfarmersmarkets.ie.
 
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Information
Elizabeth Davidson:  087 635 8444
Nicola Cassidy, Press Office: 01 618 4088 / 087 914 8175