COCO Markets

8/1/10 - "The CoCo Markets in Marlay Park this Saturday and in the People's Park Dun Laoghaire this Sunday have been cancelled due to the poor weather conditions. The markets will re-open as normal next weekend, January 16 / 17."

Introduction

Fresh, Healthy, Nutritious, Delicious

Farmers and other food producers bring their fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs, flowers, ethnic fare, sweet and savoury treats each week to the CoCo Markets. With three weekly markets, the CoCo Markets represents the largest group of municipal markets in the country.

Good for Farms:

The CoCo Markets provide local and regional family farms with a cost-effective retail opportunity, where they can bring their goods directly to the consumer. The more farms that remain viable, the less farmland that gets swallowed up by cement and asphalt.

Strengthening local economies:

When you shop at a CoCo Market, most of the euros spent remain with the food producer to be reinvested in our country's economy. On market day, local businesses can take advantage of the spin-off generated by the influx of market shoppers, and the whole community benefits.

Health aspect:

CoCo Market management works with the vendors to bring healthy, fresh, and additive free food to your area. Customers should avail of the opportunity to speak with the producer regarding the processes involved in their food production.

Creating Community and Urban Renewal:

CoCo Markets raises quality of life, brings neighbours together, and revives public spaces.

Education:

This is one of the most important aspects of the farmers' market movement. Customers can learn about different ethnic food, innovative production techniques, wholesome ingredients, life as a farmer, and environmental benefits of cutting out large distribution companies.

Culture:

Markets have a huge cultural aspect, as is obvious from the many different ethnic offerings. Customers can sample different types of food, learn about the history of why a particular food is from a certain region, and become acquainted with different cuisines.

Bio-diversity:

Small, bio-diverse farms preserve our food heritage. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates that more than 75% of agricultural genetic diversity was lost in the 20 th century as a result of agribusiness (large scale agricultural production). Agribusiness cultivates high-yield hybrids bred for fast maturation and thick skins to withstand mechanical harvest and transportation. Meanwhile, heirloom produce and heritage-breed livestock vanish from fields and plates, drastically shrinking the gene pool for those foods.

Food Miles:

Transporting food long distances uses tremendous energy. Fossil fuels cause global warming, acid rain, and smog. Local foods travel short distances and use dramatically less natural resources.

Organic:

Farms that are certified organic, and those that farm organically (though not certified) have committed to improving the quality of the soil, water, and livelihood of their animals. This has a knock-on effect for the local environment.

Packaging:

Food purchased at markets uses significantly less packaging than food purchased at supermarkets.

 

The CoCo Markets promotes regional agriculture and local production of wholesome food by ensuring a continuing supply of fresh, local produce for the citizens of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown county.

The CoCo markets supports farmers and preserves farmland for the future by providing small family farmers with opportunities to sell their fruits, vegetables, meat, and meat products.

The CoCo Market project is a Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council venture.