The Food Coast was developed by Local Enterprise Office Donegal as a programme to support development, growth and quality in Do
The Food Coast initiative is based upon the foundation of the Donegal Food Strategy, launched in July 2012, with the aim of developing the food sector in the region. The aim was to establish a central platform to encourage a strong food culture and economy to sustain economic activity and jobs in the region.
The Food Coast network offers a vehicle to bring all the strands of the food sector in Donegal together to collaborate and develop opportunities to make Donegal famous for food. It is collective as opposed to elitist. The central objective is to realise the economic benefits for Donegal, in terms of sustaining the county and creating job opportunities.
The good practice demonstrated relates to the public sector response to a need in the region, driving the development of the strategy with the input of the sector, with a tangible plan which then required the support of the private sector. The ability to get the wider food sector, both public and private sector to work together has allowed Donegal to build a stronger reputation and create commercial opportunities for its stakeholders. A stronger food culture is leading and building towards a stronger food economy in the county.
Resources needed
Funding and resources from the Local Enterprise Office (formally County Enterprise Board).
The formation of Food Steering Committee to assist in the planning and implementation of the strategy
Evidence of success
In 2018, 12 businesses have been certified to use the Food Coast Brand and over 90 businesses from the food sector have joined the Donegal Food Network. The Food Coast brand has helped increase the County's reputation for producing quality food, this is evident in local and national media coverage.
Difficulties encountered
Committing resources and personnel to ensure brand awareness is maintained and that businesses and consumers continue to engage with the brand
Potential for learning or transfer
Yes, there is a potential for a similar brand to be implemented in other regions which share the same interest and enthusiasm for promoting local food producers.
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Tags: Support, SME, Industry
