AS THE economy turns downwards and the number of people out of work increases, we all have a responsibility to do what we can to protect the best interests of our communities. Simple things can have a significant effect, like choosing an Irish-made product over an imported one, or seeking out quality, locally produced food items in preference to bland, commercial provisions.
Small producers and local enterprises are particularly vulnerable because of the credit crunch. The early years in the life of a company are always fraught with difficulties, no matter how good and innovative the management or the quality of the product. They need all the customer support they can get in order to survive and thrive. That is why a little local partisanship does not go astray. It can make the difference between success and failure; between the preservation of viable work and unemployment.
Chefs from the Irish branch of Euro-toques, an international organisation that promotes high quality food production and culinary traditions, presented their annual awards during the week. The occasion emphasised once again the great strides that have been made by niche Irish food producers and restaurants during the past two decades. There were awards for a Waterford bread speciality, along with prizes for the production of smoked meats and arctic char. Such recognition can be hugely important for small companies as they seek to become established “names”. Irish hand-made cheeses have gained an international reputation. Clonakilty is now synonymous with black and white puddings. And an extensive range of meat and fish products has attracted widespread recognition. These are signs of a confident, quality-conscious society.
Ireland is one of the world’s most open economies. We have benefited significantly from free trade and the location of multinational companies here. There should be no question of changing that formula or retreating into protectionism. Most large enterprises have the resources to ride out the recession. Small and medium domestic companies will find it much harder. Evidence of belt-tightening and of cuts in personal expenditure is widespread. The services sector is having a torrid time. And some companies may not survive beyond Christmas, in spite of enormous commitment and hard work. That is the harsh reality. However, we can all contribute to the welfare of local enterprises by making deliberate choices to buy Irish goods and services.