Potential 'Food Network' for the north west

By Richard O'Reilly

Derry City and Strabane Council is encouraging local food producers to join a 'food network'

The council wants to create a collaboration between food producers, to build on the legacy of of last years Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink.

The plans are to establish a food network group that will bring forward new ideas and initiatives, to further support the region as a leading foodie destination.
 
It’s proposed that the Food Network will work with those in the food and drink industry in both the private and public sector, to work collaboratively to build on the successes achieved to date, identify gaps, develop initiatives and ideas to really drive the local food sector.
 
Encouraging groups to sign up to be part of the Network, Food Tourism Project Officer Catherine Goligher said she hopes that there is an interest among the local food and drink sector, to build on the momentum of the Year of Food.

"The Council is engaging with the local food and drink industry to gauge their views and opinions and would like to invite businesses to complete an online survey ahead of the first meeting that is provisionally set for early June" said Catherine.
 
“We are really excited about our recent successes with the Year of Food and Drink and the way in which Derry and Strabane’s food tourism is expanding and developing. We believe the setting up of the Food Network is a great way of continuing to engage with all of our partners and allowing us to create a strong legacy for the future".