Farmers are ‘heroes’ says IFA president as Bord Bia protest ends
Farmers are ‘heroes’ says IFA president as Bord Bia protest ends
The IFA protest inside the offices of Bord Bia in Dublin as part of their protest for the removal of the agency's chair, Larry Murrin, reached a conclusion last week.
The five farmers who remained inside the building for over three weeks concluded their demonstration after the state agency’s board agreed to an independent expert-led governance review into its operations.
The members of the IFA ended their sit-in protest at Bord Bia, as Larry Murrin stood aside from chairing board meetings for the duration of the review.
The protest was in response to Mr Murrin's company Dawn Farms, using Brazilian beef in its meat products. The dispute began when it was confirmed that Dawn Farm Foods, of which Mr Murrin is CEO, sourced 1% of its beef from Brazil in 2025.
The IFA, along with the ICMSA, believe Mr Murrin's position represents a conflict of interest, given Bord Bia's role in promoting Irish food, and have called for him to step down as chair of the semi-state agency.
Bord Bia says Mr Murrin will remain as chair of the state agency, but will stand aside from chairing board meetings for the duration of the review.
IFA president Francie Gorman said a full governance review of Bord Bia will examine issues that have come to light during the controversy relating to Mr Murrin. “The board will continue to meet during the review, but Larry Murrin will step aside from chairing the meetings. They will be chaired by another board member.
“The IFA had put a proposal to the board ten days ago that identified seven strands that should be examined and that the Chair would step aside while these are being considered,” an IFA statement said.
IFA has agreed to stand down their protest until the review is complete and while Larry Murrin is not chairing board meetings. Five farmers have occupied the building for 28 days with a rolling 24-hour protest outside for 36 days.
“These farmers are heroes. They have sacrificed so much for their fellow farmers as have those who have kept a 24-hour rolling protest going outside,” Mr Gorman said.