The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has seen a large increase in people seeking advice on how to set up a food business since the recession began.
The authority said its free industry advice service handled a 72 per cent increase in requests for specific information and resources on business start-ups since 2008.
It dealt with 734 enquiries in 2008, compared to 1,259 in 2010.
Information manager Edel Conway said there has been a growth in the number of food business registered in Ireland despite the recession with 46,259 food businesses registered in 2010 compared to 44,052 in 2008.
"The growth in the actual number of food businesses correlates with our experience of individuals seeking specific information on how to go about setting up a food business, says Ms Conway.
"Already in the first two months of this year, requests for business start-up information are up by 29 per cent, when compared to the same period last year."
Ms Conway said there had been a particular growth in the number of manufacturers selling direct to the consumer.
"This would include people making cakes or jams at home, and other start-up businesses operating out of the domestic kitchen or selling at farmers markets."
Advice and help on setting up a food venture can be found on the authority's website.
Alternatively, advice is provided over the phone on lo-call 1890 336677. The line is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and is manned by trained advisors and food scientists.