2008 Press Releases
08.05.2008
Nowadays, numerous varieties of farmhouse cheeses, smoked fish, fresh and specialist meats including charcuterie, poultry and pork products, honey, sauces, condiments, confectionery and fresh organic produce are consumed by the Irish population.
In response to these exciting changes in the marketplace, UCC, in partnership with CAIS (Irish Farmhouse Cheesemakers Association), Slowfood Ireland, Ballymaloe Cookery School and the Veterinary Department, Cork County Council developed a unique Diploma in Speciality Food Production three years ago.
As an endorsement of the importance of this Diploma to the development of the Irish artisan food sector, Minister of State for Food and Horticulture, Trevor Sargent TD, visited UCC today (Thursday, May 8th 2008) to meet and speak with the 2008 class of "budding" artisan food producers and UCC personnel.
The Diploma, run through the Food Industry Training Unit, is a part-time programme aimed at the artisan food producer or those who are interested in developing speciality foods as a commercial venture. For example, in recent years an increasing number of small food producers and farmers are developing value added food products. Similarly, people working in the food sector are branching out into speciality food production and distribution. The Diploma also appeals to those working in marketing and distribution, support agencies and the media.
The Minister also visited the President's Office where he was greeted by Professor Paul Giller, Deputy President.
Picture: Minister Trevor Sargent with
Regina Sexton, Food Historian and lecturer, UCC
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