A month-long dispute between the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and Bord Bia is escalating, with ongoing protests and calls for the resignation of Bord Bia Chair Larry Murrin. The core of the conflict centers on the fact that Mr. Murrin’s company, Dawn Farms, has been importing Brazilian beef.
Governance Review Proposed
The Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon, has stated he is considering an independent, expert-led governance review of Bord Bia in response to a proposal from the IFA. This review would examine the State agency’s board membership eligibility and quality-assurance schemes. Mr. Heydon indicated that he will propose the Bord Bia board refrain from meeting until the review is complete.
The IFA is seeking a review of the eligibility of board members and the agency’s quality assurance schemes. They have specifically called for Mr. Murrin to step aside during the review period, a request Minister Heydon is not expected to grant. The Minister has encouraged the IFA to engage with his proposals and for protestors to leave the Bord Bia building.
Disruptions and Protests
IFA members have been protesting outside Bord Bia’s offices for a month, with a sit-in protest occurring inside the building since February 3rd. Bord Bia reports that 140 employees have been forced to function from home and private security has been hired. Multiple meetings with international customers have been postponed, relocated, or cancelled as a result of the ongoing occupation.
The IFA has held public meetings in Claremorris, Athy, and Cavan, attracting over 2,000 attendees. A further protest is planned for Saturday outside Minister Heydon’s constituency office in Newbridge, Co. Kildare, and will include tractors and farmers on foot. IFA President Francie Gorman stated that the view at a recent meeting in Athy was that Minister Heydon is “dragging his feet” and does not understand the frustration within the farming community.
The Government has publicly backed Mr. Murrin, stating he has done nothing wrong. Mr. Murrin previously defended his company’s use of Brazilian beef before the Agriculture Committee, explaining it was a contractual requirement to demonstrate sourcing flexibility in case of supply disruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the dispute between the IFA and Bord Bia?
The dispute began after it emerged that Bord Bia Chair Larry Murrin’s company, Dawn Farms, has been importing Brazilian beef.
What is the Minister for Agriculture proposing to resolve the situation?
Martin Heydon is considering an independent expert-led governance review into Bord Bia, examining board membership eligibility and quality-assurance schemes. He also proposes the board not meet again until the review is complete.
How long have the protests been ongoing?
Today marks a month since the start of the IFA’s around-the-clock protest outside Bord Bia’s offices, with a sit-in protest inside the building since February 3rd.
How will the outcome of this dispute affect the relationship between Irish farmers and Bord Bia in the long term?
