'Conversation not conflict...but facts matter' - Bord Bia responds Laois anger

Bord Bia says dialogue with farmers is 'the only way forward' in finding a resolution to the row with farmers over the position of its Chairperson, Larry Murrin, but it said the controversy has led to misinformation and 'facts matter'.

The State agency which promotes Irish farm produce at home and abroad has issued a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live in response to farmer anger expressed at the Laois IFA AGM by rank and file members. They are furious at the continued presence of Mr Murrin in the leadership role of the agency.

The Laois farmers present at the meeting in Abbeyleix also give their full endorsement to the protest of the Bord Bia HQ in Dublin by IFA members. They also backed IFA President Francie Gorman and IFA Director General Damian McDonald for the position they and the Associations have taken in calling for Mr Murrin to resign or for the Government remove him.

They say they no longer have confidence in Mr Murrin, who is the CEO of Dawn Foods, because his business has, albeit legally, imported Brazilian beef to Ireland.

In response, Bord Bia said Irish farmers and growers work hard to maintain the high standards demanded by consumers and customers in Ireland and our many export markets. 

While the statment said said 'conversation' is needed, the Bord insists that there has been 'misinformation'. It also says have facilitated the presence of protestors at the HQ and insisted that Mr Murrin is 'not the head of Bord Bia'.

"In that context, the questions that have arisen in recent weeks about imports, standards and fairness are completely understandable. It is important that these issues are discussed with facts, context, and respect. We believe strongly that conversation - not conflict - is the only way forward. Therefore, we want to address the misinformation and concerns that have been raised in recent weeks," it said.

The statement said Bord Bia’s Quality Assurance programmes are fundamental to farmers’ livelihoods. It said they are trusted by consumers and critical to Ireland’s reputation and success overseas.

"Recent concerns around imports have placed a spotlight on Quality Assured produce. In that context, facts matter. The Bord Bia Quality Mark applies only to Irish farmed produce. It cannot be used on imported products.

"We have a robust monitoring programme in place to oversee the use of the Bord Bia Quality Mark, and sanctions are applied where misuse occurs. These standards protect farmers by securing demand, maintaining customer confidence and supporting better returns. For example, because of these standards, Irish beef has secured access to over 100 of the EU’s top retail and foodservice customers who only buy quality assured beef.

"Audit criteria are set to meet customer requirements and legislation. Farmer representatives hold important roles on advisory committees that agree the standards. It is also important to clarify that the board and chair of Bord Bia do not set Quality Assurance criteria or make decisions on their implementation," it said.

The agency also highlighted its remit in the global food system.

"Bord Bia works with the full spectrum of the agri-food industry - from farmers and growers to small businesses and global exporters.

"Our focus is clear: supporting farmers through improved incomes, securing value for Irish food exporters, understanding the customers of Irish food, and opening and protecting market share in key international markets.

"Ireland is an export-led food nation. We export food and drink to over 180 countries around the world. Trade works both ways, and many Irish food and drink companies rely on some imported ingredients as part of modern global supply chains. These products are not Bord Bia Quality Assured and do not carry the Bord Bia Quality Mark. This does not replace or undermine Quality Assured Irish produce. It reflects the reality of trade and how global food systems operate.

"Farmers are right to say they are the bedrock of Irish agriculture. Global customers are what allow that production to be turned into income. Both matter. Both must be respected," it said.

The statement also focused on governance and the role of its Chairperson, Mr Murrin.

READ ALSO: Government 'can't bully the people of rural Ireland' IFA leader ramps up pressure in Laois on TDs over Bord Bia

"There has also been commentary about the management and leadership of Bord Bia. The chair is not the “head of Bord Bia”. The organisation is led by a CEO and a senior leadership team responsible for day-to-day operations. The chair and board members are not involved in operational decisions; the chair’s role is to lead the board and ensure its effectiveness, while the board is collectively responsible for directing Bord Bia’s activities.

"Chairs are appointed for their experience of international markets, governance and the global food industry - experience that supports Bord Bia’s export mission on behalf of farmers and the wider sector. While the role allows for fees, the current chair has always waived them and receives no salary or pension," it said.

It also referred to the 'peaceful protest and moving forward'. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Laois TDs Sean Fleming, Fianna Fáil, Brian Stanley, Independent, and Willie Aird, Fine Gael, attended the AGM.  

"Bord Bia respects the right to peaceful protest. For almost two weeks, we have facilitated the presence of protestors at our place of work and engaged consistently in good faith to seek a resolution. Essential deliveries, including food and medicines, continue to be facilitated. Protestors have the option to leave at any time and have been repeatedly requested to do so," said the board.

The statement concluded with a wish to move forward.

READ ALSO: IFA chief lists CAP cash, Mercosur battle and Nitrates conditions as priorities at Laois IFA AGM

"Finally, we sincerely wish to move past the current impasse, from which no one is benefitting. We are eager to work together to resolve this issue in the best interests of Irish farmers and the wider agri-food sector," it said.

The Chairperson has received the full backing of the Government, Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for Agriculture. A Sinn Féin Dáil motion calling for Mr Murrin to be removed was defeated in the Dáil.