Minister meets Mr Peter Whelan, rare pig breed farmer at the event

Shane McEntee TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, attended the Taste of Dublin event on Thursday and complimented the organisers on their commitment to this annual event where consumers meet producers and enjoy high quality food. "Ireland has a strong reputation in producing high quality food products, from the artisan level, to the number of large flagship companies with a presence on international markets. Events like this promote better understanding of our interdependence from farm to fork."

While there, Minister of State McEntee met with Mr Peter Whelan from 'Whole Hoggs', a free range pig farm in Slane, County Meath which specialises in rearing an old Irish breed of pig originally called 'The Irish Grazer' and now recognised as the Tamworth pig. "At a time of great potential for our food sector which is highlighted in the Food Harvest 2020 report, it is great to see the commitment in Meath to this rich example of our livestock heritage"  said the Minister.

Note to editors:

The Taste of Dublin festival is a celebration of the best of Ireland's specialty food and drink, where visitors can experience al-fresco dining, wine tastings, live chef demonstrations and the chance to meet over 100 artisan food producers.
In 1812 Sir Robert Peel brought some of these red pigs from Ireland to his pig farm in Tamworth, England to improve his herd.  In 1865 they were recognised as a breed by the British Pig Association and were renamed the Tamworth pig.

Photo:  Minister of State Shane McEntee and Mr Peter Whelan from "Whole Hoggs" a free range pig farm in Slane, County Meath at the Taste of Dublin Event on Thursday 9th June.

Date Released: 10 June 2011