Minister of State, Sean Haughey TD, Orla Barry, Newstalk, Emer Brady ACBI Training Manager and Fiona O'Dwyer, Ireland's first woman to gain a national qualification as a craftbutcher.
Craftbutchers win prestigious training Award from Aontas (The National Adult Learning Organisation) for the National Certificate in Butchering Skills;
'Upskilling is a real buzz word at the moment', says Emer Brady, Training Manager with Craftbutchers , 'and it's something that the industry is coming to grips with. But it can be difficult for butchers to really pursue any kind of qualification - due to long hours and the hands-on nature of their work.
This programme really works because it is flexible, 'on the job' and relevant for butchers. Furthermore, a vibrant domestic food industry is vitally important to our exports. It is helping to sustain the independent meat retail sector in Ireland which is vital in maintaining consumer choice, competitiveness and diversity.'
Hugh Maguire (pictured left receiving his Retail Excellence Ireland award) has again been re-elected President of the craftbutchers organisation at its recent agm. Martin Carey, Bandon re-elected Vice President
Value is where it always was, in your own kitchen'
While economic pressures are hitting the family budget the craftbutchers organisation has advised that the best solution to this, as to many things is an old solution; in this case the not so difficult art of meal making.
The idea that the creation of a nutritious value meal is beyond the skills of the average person is a myth, according to Craftbutchers President Hugh Maguire.
EU figures published recently show that the price of milk, cheese and eggs has risen by more than 22% in the past 12 months, while the cost of bread and cereals has increased by almost 12%.
In this same period meat has risen by only 5.7% just about keeping place with inflation.
Craftbutchers, like all food professionals recommend a balanced diet. The Irish Cancer Society does likewise. The World Cancer Research Fund says that 'many foods of animal origin are nourishing and healthy if consumed in modest amounts'.
(Source 'Food, Nutrition, Physical activity and the Prevention of Cancer; a Global perspective'. Washington DC 2007)
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