2011 All-Ireland Farmers’ Market Competition Looking for Tipperary Entries for €5,000 Prize Pot

Pictured at Enniscorthy Castle launching the €5,000 prize All-Ireland Farmers’ Market Competition today is Celebrity Chef Kevin Dundon with ‘Knight’ Daniel Cunningham the competition will take place on the Sunday of the weekend as part of the annual Enniscorthy Strawberry Festival from June 24 to 26 has a prize pot of €5,000 on offer - see www.strawberryfest.ie Photograph Patrick Browne.

Celebrity Chef Kevin Dundon was on hand in the Strawberry Capital of Ireland, Enniscorthy Town to launch the fourth All-Ireland Farmers’ Market Competition which will take place on Sunday, June 26 as part of the Annual Wexford Strawberry Festival, running from June 24 to 26, 2011. The Competition is looking for entries from Tipperary for the Competition.

The Annual All-Ireland Farmers’ Market Competition is hosted by Enniscorthy Farmers’ Market with Wexford Irish Farmers Association and Enniscorthy Town Council to recognise the vital role Farmers’ Markets play increasing the supply and demand for fresh, locally produced foods and showcase the distinct regional specialities available throughout the Ireland. The competition is open to exhibitors from Farmers’ Markets across all 32 counties and has a prize pot of €5,000 on offer.

Speaking at the launch Chef Kevin Dundon said he was thrilled to be able to launch the competition. “When it comes to the promotion of local food it is through working together and encouraging more and more people to embrace buying from their local food producer, we can help pave the way towards the economic recovery of the country; food tourism is rapidly growing economic sector. He commended Enniscorthy and the Wexford IFA for coming together in this way to recognise the value of local farmers markets and the importance of food and food tourism.

Mr Pat Roche, Wexford Farmers’ Markets said “We are delighted to welcome stall-holders from all over Ireland with a diverse range of quality products to compete for the prize; judging will be on the basis of quality Irish produce, traceability, hygiene, presentation, taste, customer service and value for money.”

Wexford IFA Chairman Ger Lyons commented “Direct sales by farmers to consumers are a growing and important link with local, quality food with total traceability; Farmers markets are a perfect example of producers receiving 100% of the retail price for their produce.”

It’s not all about food and Strawberries at the towns annual Wexford Strawberry Festival, a stellar line-up of music acts has been put in place to ensure that this will be quite simply be Ireland’s biggest town Festivals. Well known Irish bands The Corona’s, The Saw Doctors, Cry before Dawn and Ryan Sheridan are all performing free public concerts over the weekend. Founder of UB40 Ali Campbell will take to the stage with his band on Saturday June 25 and firm favourites Jedward will take to the stage on Sunday June 26.

A host of fringe events will also take place including the Strawberry Half Marathon Race Festival which takes place on the Sunday of the Strawberry Festival weekend. A funfair, Kid’s entertainment, Dance demonstrations, a Busker’s corner, street theatre display with Bui Bolg and a Teddy Bears Picnic will all feature on the family fun events programme.

For further information on all of the events see www.strawberryfest.ie or www.visitwexford.ie