Claremorris Meeting Shows Farmers Want Review of Bord Bia As Well as a New Chair

IFA President Francie Gorman said the huge attendance at last night’s meeting in Claremorris drives home the message that a new Chair is needed to begin the process of rebuilding confidence in Bord Bia.

“What was clear last night is that as well as a new Chair, a review of Bord Bia will also be needed,” he said.

Over 700 farmers were in the room to express their anger about the current controversy.

“The crowd was unanimous that a new Chair is needed as part of the process of rebuilding trust among farmers. We cannot have a Chair of Bord Bia whose company imports Brazilian beef and Brazilian chicken and is not part of the relevant Bord Bia Quality Assurance Scheme,” he said.

The IFA President said it’s clear that a broader review of Bord Bia is also needed.

The five farmers who have occupied the Bord Bia offices since Feb 3rd joined the meeting via video link and were given a sustained standing ovation for their efforts on behalf of everybody involved in the campaign. 

Francie Gorman said the resolve of farmers on this issue is epitomised by the five who have stayed the course since earlier this month.

“Our roster of farmers from around the country to maintain the protest outside Bord Bia is now set out until Mon, Mar 9th and can be rolled over for as long as is needed. The depth of feeling on this issue has gotten a lot stronger since it emerged that the Chair’s company doesn’t even bother to be part of the relevant Bord Bia QA scheme,” he concluded.