SOME 150 JOBS are set to be created through the Food Academy Start Programme.

The initiative is jointly run by Bord Bia, SuperValu and Local Enterprise Offices.

Organisers said that almost 200 start-up food producers will benefit from the programme, which provides mentoring and secures retail sales worth €5 million through SuperValu.

Enda Kenny launched the programme, which is in its second year, at the National Ploughing Championships today.

It provided some good news for the Taoiseach in what has been a day dominated by John McNulty’s resignation after a brief but controversial stint on IMMA’s baord.

Earlier Kenny met some of the 85 graduate food businesses that have completed the programme.

The initiative enables store owners to source directly from local suppliers, allowing them to stock locally produced artisan foods that are not available in other supermarkets.

Agri-food

Speaking at the event, Kenny said: “The Government is highly supportive of the agri-food sector as it is Ireland’s largest indigenous industry and will continue to be as we work to secure economic recovery by prioritising job creation and investment.”

Aidan Cotter, Chief Executive of Bord Bia, stated:

“With revenues of €475 million, small food businesses play an important role in Ireland’s agri-food sector by enhancing our reputation for dynamic, high-quality food.”

He described the programme as “a unique opportunity to help cultivate sustainable small food companies by providing them with access to expertise in branding, market research, business development and distribution”.

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