IFA Seeks JOC Meeting to Discuss Issues Raised by Bord Bia Chair

IFA has requested to meet with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture to discuss comments made by the Bord Bia Chair, including comments he made about the IFA.

IFA President Francie Gorman said the evidence given by Larry Murrin last Thursday raised very serious questions about compliance with the Governance Code for State bodies; his sourcing policy; claims made on his website and the criteria for Origin Green eligibility; amongst other issues,” he said.

“We have identified 10 specific points that have arisen from Mr. Murrin’s testimony to the JOC. There are also other issues. Every day that goes by more issues are arising,” he said. 

“As there is a key vote in the Dáil on Wednesday night, we have requested a slot for a right of reply before this so that TDs and Senators can hear more about these issues before any vote.”

The Bord Bia Quality Assurance Committees, which were scheduled to meet in the coming week, have been postponed again. “This is the fifth time that meetings have been postponed or abandoned since the controversy arose,” he said.

“This shows that Bord Bia cannot carry out its functions because of the ongoing controversy. Farmers will not work with Bord Bia while someone who is importing Brazilian beef and poultry remains in the chair,” he said.

A meeting organised by Carlow IFA last night heard that a motion will be put before today’s meeting of Carlow County Council calling for the Chair to stand down.

As the protest enters its third week, Francie Gorman said the resolve of IFA members remains very strong.

“Farmer anger around this issue has not dissipated. The only solution we can see is for the Chair to recognise the damage this is doing to Bord Bia and step down. A new chair would allow a re-building of the relationship between Bord Bia and farmers to begin,” he concluded.